Gov. Rauner vetoes pay raises for state lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner has struck down cost-of-living salary increases for lawmakers as Illinois begins a fiscal year without an approved budget.

The Republican used his amendatory veto authority on Wednesday to nix raises for legislators and elected constitutional officers.

The amended legislation also freezes the daily expense money that legislators receive at $111 and travel reimbursement at 39-cents per mile.

The fiscal year began Wednesday. Rauner and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly are stalemated on a yearlong budget agreement.

Rauner says signing the legislation into law would mean raises for lawmakers of $1,400 to $1,900. Legislative salaries range from $68,000 to $95,000, based on responsibilities.

The governor says Illinois legislators are among the highest-paid in the nation.

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The bill is SB1354.