The Mike Bertelsen Project

Governor Blagojevich cut the budget to balance it, but kept the pay raises intact. With those increases, his salary goes from $170,917 to $184,035. A spokesman for the Governor referenced state statute for his decision. In 2003 Governor Blagojevich vetoed raises.

Tom Cross, House Republican leader mentioned that the idea of a pay raise is "mind-boggling" in this economic climate.