Kifowit Sponsors Measure Cutting Pay for Legislators

As part of her ongoing effort to cut wasteful state spending, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is sponsoring a measure to cut lawmakers’ pay by requiring them to take unpaid furlough days, for the second time since she’s been in office.

“My goal has always been to give working families a voice in the decisions made in Springfield, and when I have talked to hundreds of families at their doors, they have repeatedly told me that they want state spending restrained,” Kifowit said. “It is important that legislators lead by example when finding ways to reduce state spending while preserving funding for critical services.”

Kifowit is a chief sponsor of House Bill 3766 to require members of the General Assembly to take 12 unpaid furlough days next fiscal year, beginning July 1, and to freeze salaries and reimbursement rates for representatives, senators, state’s attorneys, statewide officials, and members of state departments, boards and commissions.

During the spring legislative session, Kifowit introduced and supported several cost-cutting measures. Specifically, she introduced and passed House Bill 2767 to eliminate pension benefits for members on state boards or commissions because they are not full-time state workers.

“We must continue to fight to ensure that state tax dollars are being used properly, efficiently, and for necessary programs,” Kifowit said. “I remain committed to advocating on behalf of taxpayers and will continue to look for ways to eliminate wasteful spending.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308 or email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.

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