Republican candidate for the District 58 seat in the Illinois Senate Paul Schimpf expressed his approval of State Comptroller Leslie Munger's proposed "No Budget, No Pay" legislation.
"I support Comptroller Munger's 'No Budget, No Pay' proposal," Schimpf said. "Under Munger’s proposal, Illinois lawmakers would need to pass a balanced, full-year budget in order for state constitutional officers and lawmakers to receive their paychecks. If the voters trust me to be their next State Senator, I will work hard to earn every dollar of my paycheck."
Munger ordered payroll personnel to add legislator's paychecks to the queue of Illinois' unpaid bills last spring. While legislators protested her action, she stood her ground. The action also put her own paycheck into the $8 billion unpaid bills backlog. As she pointed out, the state's vendors were waiting to be paid –elected officials should not be treated differently than other vendors. Illinois is approximately two-and-one-half months behind on its vendor payments.
“I don’t know of an employer that would pay someone that is not doing their job,” Munger said. “Why should taxpayers settle for less? We tell small businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, schools and others to wait in line for months for what they’re owed by the state - it’s unconscionable that we would prioritize politician pay and move them to the front.”
Schimpf supported Munger's actions and took to social media in August, after Munger and Southern Illinois Republican leaders appeared in Carbondale to support Munger's proposed "No Budget, No Pay" legislation. Her proposal is similar to HB4399, which would ensure that Illinois has a balanced budget every year. If a budget is not passed and signed by the governor, the legislators will forfeit their paychecks until a balanced budget Is in place.
"I was proud to support Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger yesterday in Carbondale," Schimpf said. "As politicians, we are seeking the approval and trust of the public. This legislation is a way to re-establish that trust. Illinoisans are tired of the failed political class that has pushed 14 consecutive unbalanced budgets."
HB4399 was introduced on Jan. 8. by Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) and cosponsored by 17 Republican colleagues. It is still pending in the House Rules Committee.
As a fiscal conservative, Schimpf is a strong supporter of reforms that will allow the state to implement a balanced budget. In his campaign announcement, he was firm in his belief that the state's downturn can be turned around.
"We will not, however, turn our state around until we get our fiscal house in order," Schimpf said. "This will be my top priority as a state senator and it is the reason I am running for office."
He continued his statement by pointing out that Illinois cannot solve its fiscal problems by raising taxes or cutting spending. The legislators must make changes that would encourage businesses to stay in Illinois and bring new business into the state.
"Balancing our budget, however, cannot be accomplished without doing two things," Schimpt said. "First, we must revitalize our economy. We cannot solve our problems simply through raising taxes or cutting spending. We must grow our economy. I am willing to make the difficult choices necessary to bring fiscal stability to our state.
He also stated that pension reforms would be necessary to enable legislators to produce a balanced budget. The state's pension funds are chronically underfunded, which adds to the backlog of unpaid bills. Schimpf was adamant, however, that pension reforms must comply with the state constitution.
"I will lead by example in this area and refuse to accept a pension from the State of Illinois," Schimpf said.
Schimpf will face Democratic candidate Sheila Simon in November's general election for the District 58 seat in the Illinois Senate. Incumbent David Luechtefeld (R) asked Schimpf to run and endorsed his campaign.
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