State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) is sponsoring legislation that will cut the Senate Democratic Caucus spending by 5 percent. This proposed reduction shows a true commitment to end reckless spending in state government.
“We must tighten our belts regarding state spending,” Senator Kotowski said. “Many Illinois families have trimmed their own budgets and state government must do the same. These cuts and other spending reforms will help restore fiscal health to our state. Illinois taxpayers deserve no less.”
The proposed cuts would immediately impact spending within the rest of Fiscal Year 2011. The Senate Democrats are the first of the four caucuses in the Illinois General Assembly to commit to this spending reduction at a time when Illinois residents are really looking for the state to be more responsible with spending.
“As I talk to constituents in my district they want to know what spending cuts we have made,” Kotowski said. “It is my hope that all members of the General Assembly will join our efforts in reducing spending at every level possible.”
This most recently proposed spending cut is part of overall spending reform. During the past three years state spending has been reduced by $2.1 billion. The state has also reduced its payroll by 1,100 employees over the last 24 months and Illinois has 16,000 fewer state employees now than it did in 2002.
In addition, State Senators and Representatives have taken a 5 percent pay cut in each of the past two years.