* We seem to always have bad news to report here. How about a spot of positivity for a change?
State Rep. Don Moffitt, R-Gilson, announced this week that he has donated all of the overtime pay he received for the special sessions called by Gov. Rod Blagojevich during last summer and fall’s legislative standoff.
Legislators received a per diem of $125 per day for 37 days and $129 per day for five days, resulting in a total of $5,270 paid to each legislator in overtime per diems, totaling more than $1 million.
Like many others, Moffitt said he disagreed with calling the special sessions because the House and Senate leaders had not reached any agreements and no legislation could be considered for a vote. So, he decided to donate all of the $5,270 to charity, above and beyond what he normally gives.
The amount of the gifts ranged from $25 to $750 and went to 29 different recipients, including a number of city organizations, including the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation, Galesburg Rescue Mission, Orpheum Theatre, Discovery Depot, Galesburg Veterans Memorial, FISH food pantry and Carver Community Action Agency.
Lemons to lemonade. Good for him.