Cutting Spending, Getting Illinois Back on Track
Senator Kotowski has made comprehensive spending reform a top priority. As Chairman of both the Senate Appropriations II Committee and the Budgeting for Results Commission, Kotowski has led the fight to cut the State’s overall budget by $7 billion – better than a 10% decrease from the previous fiscal year.
Cutting Waste, Creating Taxpayer Accountability
Senator Kotowski sponsored House Bill 5424 (Budgeting for Results), which creates the most comprehensive spending reform in Illinois history. Now, for the first time, all state agencies, departments and commissions will be kept, cut or eliminated based upon their ability to demonstrate positive, measurable results. No more “automatic” funding.
“Each day, families and small businesses all across this state make tough choices about what they absolutely need and what they can do without,” Kotowski said. “State government should do no less. I’m proud to have led the fight for this initiative. It forces cuts in what we don’t need, so we can make the necessary investments in what we truly need to get Illinois back on track. It stops Springfield from spending more than it takes in.”
Ending the Automatic Renewal of State Contracts
Senate Bill 375 ends automatic renewal of all State contracts over $250,000.
“I passed this bill to specifically address waste and fraud, and end the political sweetheart deals that for years, squandered billions in taxpayer dollars,” Kotowski said. “It establishes strict guidelines and conditions, and requires that each contract be reviewed and rebid.”
Cutting Legislators’ Pay and Benefits
Senator Kotowski also sponsored Senate Bill 266 to freeze pay of State constitutional officers, and cut legislators’ pay by a minimum of $3,100 by requiring that legislators work 12 days without pay. This bill also cuts legislators’ benefits such as travel reimbursements and allowances for meals and lodging.
Making Pension Payments without Borrowing
Senator Kotowski co-sponsored a pension reform package (House Bills 116, 3639 and 3697) to make sure the State meets its pension obligations without borrowing.
“I’ve always believed that the quickest way to get out of a hole is to stop digging,” Kotowski said. “Passing this crucial legislation now allows us to avoid deeper debt and restore Illinois’ fiscal health by protecting the State’s bond rating.”
