State Representative Maria A. “Toni” Berrios ended the spring legislative session Thursday continuing to restore fiscal and ethical responsibility to state government.

“We have worked hard to cut unnecessary expenses in the state budget to help improve education standards, health care, unemployment benefits and senior services in our state,” Berrios said. “Everyone has to tighten their belts during this difficult economy, and we started that process by again cutting pay for legislators and blocking pay raises for elected officials.”

To rein in state spending, Berrios co-sponsored House Bill 3188 to cut legislators’ salaries by requiring lawmakers to work 12 days without pay and reject cost of living increases, saving the state nearly $1 million. This is the fourth consecutive year Berrios has voted to reduce her own salary and take unpaid furlough days. These cuts come in addition to nearly $1 billion in cuts made by bipartisan appropriation committees to eliminate fraud, waste, duplications and failing programs.

Now that the legislature has adjourned for the summer, Berrios encourages residents to join her at her Community Job Fair on Saturday, June 30, at the Avondale-Logandale Middle School, located at 3212 W. George Street, in Chicago, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions or additional concerns please, contact Rep. Berrios constituent services office at (773) 235-3939.