County Pay Raises during Tough Economic Times Send Taxpayers Wrong Message
Illinois Policy Institute Calls on Rock Island board to rectify salary increase gaffe.
CHICAGO–In the midst of a massive budget crunch and economic malaise, county board officials in northwest Illinois are giving local elected officials significant pay raises—some that will increase pay by more than $10,000 a year. The Illinois Policy Institute, a free market think tank and a longtime advocate of government accountability, is calling on the board to reverse the increases.
Even with high unemployment, local families scraping to get by, and a local budget hole of nearly $3 million, a majority of members on the Rock Island County Board approved large pay increases for several elected officials last week. The move means some officials will benefit from pay hikes of more than $10,000 and make more than $90,000 a year—unheard of as most governments cut payroll and services. Meanwhile, the county has asked its front line workers to take unpaid furlough days, according to published reports.
The Illinois Policy Institute calls on Rock Island officials to stand up for fiscal responsibility, vote down the pay raises, and focus on developing spending efficiencies to address the soaring local budget gap.
“This tone-deaf decision shows exactly what’s wrong with government and its priorities these days,” said John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute. “Too many elected officials toss around taxpayer money with seemingly little regard for accountability, and then turn to front line workers and hardworking citizens to pay for their bad choices. Taxpayers throughout Illinois are rightfully concerned they will be asked to sacrifice to fill in the deep holes created by this irresponsibility.”
The Illinois Policy Institute salutes the work of the small number of Rock Island board members who stood up against this irresponsible move. “Taxpayers in the Rock Island area should make their voice heard on this issue,” Tillman said, “and Rock Island County board members who supported these raises should commit to working immediately to repair the damage. Taxpayers deserve financial responsibility and accountability.”