House 'pimping' on pay: Hendon

LEGISLATURE | Senator says it's not fair for reps who reject raises to collect cash

SPRINGFIELD -- Saying he's tired of the House "pimping" the Senate, Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said he'll try to change a bill so lawmakers who vote against raises won't get the extra cash.

Hendon said it's unfair for House members who vote against the raise to get the extra pay if the Senate allows raises to take effect.

He said he's tired of the House ''pimping us.''

The Illinois House voted 94-8 Wednesday to reject the plan to increase lawmakers' salaries. The Senate must also pass a resolution opposing the increase or the raises automatically go into effect.

If the Senate doesn't reject the pay raise recommendations from the state Compensation Review Board, lawmakers' salaries would jump $7,000 a year. Legislative leaders, including Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), would see their salary go from $91,824 to $102,547. Gov. Blagojevich would get an extra $20,000, increasing his salary to $192,773.

Hendon also criticized wealthy lawmakers for pushing to block the raises when other legislators think they deserve them.