The reform of the auditor “no exit bonus, no signing bonus” is included within the legislator’s ethics package deal

ROCKFORD, Illinois (WIFR) – Legislators on both parties took advantage of a loophole that allowed them to step down on the first day of the month and collect full monthly wages or swear in at the end of the month but demand a full monthly wage, according to the Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza.

That ends with this law. The new rules will come into force on January 1, 2022.

“Waitresses and factory workers do not collect a monthly wage for a working day, and the legislature does not earn this luxury on the back of taxpayers,” said Mendoza.

Former State Representative Luis Arroyo charged with bribery; the late former State Senator Martin Sandoval, who pleaded guilty to federal bribery and tax charges; and former State Representative Nick Sauer, who has been charged with online sex crime, have all taken advantage of this loophole in state law in recent years, according to Mendoza.

“I can’t think of any other job that pays employees a full month’s salary for just a few days,” said State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “Illinois lawmakers can – and should – be better for this state’s taxpayers.”

In February, three MPs in the 22nd Legislative District were able to claim a month’s salary following the retirement of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. In his honor, former State Representative Edward Kodatt declined the monthly salary he was entitled to for his two days in office.

“In any other job, if you work one day, you don’t get paid the whole month, and lawmakers shouldn’t get special treatment,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “This is a sensible provision that will save our taxpayers money.”

Castro and Stuart were the main sponsors of ethics legislation before it was included in the ethics package. State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield); Representative Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia); and Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) were major co-sponsors of the bill. State Representative Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) and State Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) were primary sponsors of the Ethics Omnibus Package.

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