State Rep. Dan Brady (right) is looking into a possible constitutional amendment to allow legislative grants to be used for more than just capital projects, such as the one distributed by State Sen. Bill Brady. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said Illinois should have more flexibility when it comes to legislative grants.

For example, when Bloomington rejected a $750,000 grant to expand McGraw Park last year, Brady said the state should have been able to take the money to pay bills, but it can't. it must be used for capitol projects. Brady told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, changing the law would require a constitutional amendment which he said he's looking into.

"My colleagues and their initiatives, obviously they can do what they see fit," Brady said.  

Brady said he's OK with the money being used for public safety, education or infrastructure. The money has since been redistributed to cover five local projects.

Brady said he would like to see Gov. Bruce Rauner look to change legislative grants.

"I think under the Rauner administration the way this is administered has the potential to be looked at – potentially saying 'no more'."

Pay cut

Brady said he would support a proposal to slash the pay of lawmakers and constitutional officer holders by 10 percent, but said don't stop there.

"That needs to be spread all across Springfield," Brady said. "I'm talking department heads, agencies, employees, our union brethren needs to come up with concessions on contracts. It needs to go a lot further."

Brady said lawmakers pay has become a common place to find money. They have faced furlough days in recent years and one year then-Gov. Pat Quinn suspended their pay because of a budget stalemate. The proposal from Barrington Hills Republican David McSweeney would save about $1.2 million per year.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Brady on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].