HJRCA0010 is a proposed Illinois constitutional amendment that would change how members of the General Assembly are paid. It would set a legislator’s annual base salary equal to the state’s median household income in the first year of each General Assembly, using Census Bureau data as the benchmark. The proposal also states that the General Assembly may not pass any law that increases legislators’ base salary.
The amendment would revise Article IV, Section 11 of the Illinois Constitution, which governs legislative compensation and allowances. It preserves the existing rule that changes to a member’s salary or allowances cannot take effect during the term for which the member was elected, while adding a new constitutional cap on future salary increases. The measure would take effect only after the conclusion of the 104th General Assembly and would still need to be approved by voters at a general election.
Impact
If adopted, the amendment would directly alter the Illinois Constitution and limit the legislature’s authority over its own compensation. It would tie lawmakers’ base pay to a statewide economic measure and prohibit statutory increases to that base salary, affecting future compensation-setting laws and any related legislative pay adjustments. The change would primarily affect members of the General Assembly and the state’s compensation framework for elected officials.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is framed as a reform measure aimed at limiting legislative self-pay increases, which typically appeals to voters and lawmakers concerned about accountability and public trust. The bill was introduced by Rep. John M. Cabello, and the caption indicates it is focused on General Assembly compensation. No committee transcripts or recorded votes are available here, so there is no documented formal debate or vote-based sentiment in the provided materials.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether legislative pay should be constitutionally fixed to median household income and whether the General Assembly should be barred from raising its own base salary. Supporters would likely view the proposal as a restraint on self-dealing and a way to align pay with ordinary Illinois households, while opponents may argue it removes flexibility, could politicize compensation, or make it harder to attract and retain qualified legislators. Because no hearing transcript or vote record is provided, specific named objections or endorsements are not available.