Illinois lawmakers making $128K for 70 days of work

By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis

07/17/2025

While Illinois families face one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, the nation’s highest property taxes and the highest state and local tax burden, state lawmakers just gave themselves another raise. They get $128,000 for 70 days of work.

TAGS: lawmaker pay

State lawmaker incomes grow at double rate of Illinoisans’ incomes

By Bryce Hill

01/17/2023

State lawmakers have voted to increase their salaries by more than $17,000 during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, far outpacing growth in their constituent’s incomes.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay

Illinois lawmaker pay 4th-highest in U.S. after Pritzker OKs $12,000 raises

By Bryce Hill

01/13/2023

State lawmaker pay has increased by more than $17,000 during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. State representatives and senators make the most for jobs considered less than full time, 4th in U.S. overall.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay

Pritzker signs bill giving $12K pay raises to state lawmakers

By Brad Weisenstein

01/09/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker approved raises for the statewide elected leaders just ahead of their inaugurations Jan. 9. State lawmakers will get $12,094 raises when they take office Jan. 11. Big hikes also went to Pritzker’s department leaders and their assistants.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay

Illinois House sneaks through $12,000 pay raises for themselves

By Brad Weisenstein

01/07/2023

A late Friday-night move would add nearly $12,000 to the salary of each state lawmaker, raise salaries for statewide elected leaders such as the governor, and boost salaries for agency directors and their subordinates. Plus, they get cost-of-living increases.

TAGS: Illinois House of Representatives, lawmaker pay

Cook County board gives itself 10% raise, automatic future pay increases

By Francesco Rahe, Patrick Andriesen

06/03/2022

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted May 24 to increase its members’ salaries 10% in December, followed by automatic annual pay increases each year up to 3%. Civic groups say the perpetual pay hikes pose future concern.

TAGS: Cook County Board, lawmaker pay

Illinois lawmakers increase salaries to 4th highest in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen

04/20/2022

Springfield lawmakers will be the fourth-highest paid legislators in the nation after giving themselves a $2,700 raise in the 2023 state budget. Lawmakers’ salaries have increased 8% since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.

TAGS: Illinois, lawmaker pay

Exelon lobbyist pushes $14.4 million payday for Springfield lawmakers

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2021

The Illinois General Assembly voted for a decade to eliminate annual cost-of-living adjustments for lawmaker salaries after the Great Recession. Now, former state lawmakers are suing the state to put that money right back into politicians’ pockets.

TAGS: Exelon, lawmaker pay, lobbying

Illinois lawmakers give themselves $1,200 raise, double office budgets

By Adam Schuster

06/04/2021

The fiscal year 2022 budget includes pay hikes for members of the Illinois General Assembly, who were already among the nation’s highest-paid state lawmakers. It also boosts office allowances and leader stipends.

TAGS: budget, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay

Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises

By Brad Weisenstein

04/12/2021

Judge rules in favor of two former state senators seeking the back pay they rejected and then crowed about rejecting. Ruling applies only to the pair.

TAGS: Illinois, Illinois Comptroller, lawmaker pay

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students