* Lots of bills pass one chamber then disappear from view. That’s probably the case with this one…

Illinois lawmakers could be seeing a pay cut soon. Or at least some lawmakers voted to cut their pay. Whether statehouse paychecks really shrink remains to be seen.

The state House of Representatives approved a plan to reduce lawmakers’ annual salaries by about $6,800 and eliminate any cost-of-living increases starting this year. House Bill 2891 would save the state about $1.2 million, but there’s a major roadblock to it becoming reality.
The pay cut would apply to anyone who started a new term on or after Jan. 12, 2011, which is askew of the state’s constitution. The constitution states that any change in a lawmaker’s pay doesn’t start during their current term.

State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, sponsored the plan. Mussman said she was trying to follow up on a promise she made constituents during the campaign. She said she hopes the move is a sign of solidarity to residents still reeling from the recessions.

More…

Illinois lawmakers are among the best-paid in the country, with a base salary of $67,836. Most also make more than that by serving in leadership positions or as committee chairs. Those stipends range from $10,327 (for committee posts) to $27,477 (for Senate president, House speaker and House and Senate minority leaders).

Officially, being a member of the Illinois General Assembly is a part-time job, and many legislators have outside jobs.

[Rep. William Davis, D-Homewood] said he is a full-time representative who spends many hours doing work in his district and helping constituents beyond working in Springfield when the General Assembly is in session. Davis said Mussman’s constituents should watch what a lawmaker does first-hand.

“I would encourage them to walk a day in your shoes so they can see and understand what it takes to be a representative,” Davis said.

Mussman didn’t disagree.

Your thoughts?

* Roundup…

* VIDEO: Rep. Michelle Mussman on legislative pay cut

* VIDEO: Rep. Monique Davis rails against legislative pay cuts

* Negotiators still working on details of utility rate proposal: Under McCarthy’s proposal, rate changes would go into effect in as few as 45 days, according to the Citizens Utility Board. Rates would be set by a complicated formula that allows for automatic increases. CUB and Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office have said the process will turn rate-setting upside down.