Pay on the agenda as Ill. lawmakers return to work

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers are likely to cut their pay when they return to the state Capitol for a brief session focused on public works projects.

The House has already approved legislation requiring lawmakers to take 12 unpaid furlough days and give up their annual cost-of-living increase. The Senate is expected to consider the bill when lawmakers meet Wednesday.

The furloughs would cost each lawmaker more than $3,000. Legislative aides say the total savings is about $564,000.

The cuts reach $1.2 million when furloughs for other state officials are included.

This would be the third straight year lawmakers have cut their pay.

Lawmakers are returning to Springfield to approve spending on construction projects across Illinois. Approval is usually routine, but this year it was held up by budget arguments.