The political stunt by Texas Democrat State Representatives who fled to Blue Illinois to prevent a quorum has not only made gerrymandering a household name, it has also highlighted a little discussed fact of how much Illinois legislators make.
Texas State Rep Gene Wu remarked at a press conference that he and his members were sacrificing their livelihoods by being away from the state as they are unable to earn an income in their regular profession – and that as a Texas state rep they only earn $600 per month.
In contrast, with the pay hike approved in the latest budget, Illinois legislators now make a base salary of $98,000. When you add in per-diem and bonuses, the average total compensation is $128,000.
This means Illinois legislators make more in a month than Texas legislators make in a year. And being a legislator is a part-time job.
Do Illinoisans get better representation for all the money spent on its elected state politicians?
No
Texas is number one in domestic in-migration from other states and has increased its population by over 2 million in just five years. Illinois lost population during that time.
Texas is ranked number 1 by Chief Executive Magazine as best place to locate a business, Illinois is ranked 48th.
Texas beats Illinois on every measure of tax policy, regulatory environment, and overall freedom.
Being an Illinois legislator who makes double the average salary has obviously led to a majority of them voting for policies they are insulated from as they don’t need to work in the private sector.
In my interview with Texas AG Ken Paxton, he said in Texas we have citizen legislators that must also have a job in the private sector so they are forced to consider the impact of their decisions on the broader economy.
Illinois voters should demand the same. Legislator pay should be cut and automatic pay increases stopped.