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LAWMAKERS: WE CAN'T TURN DOWN OUR RAISE
Friday, December 26th, 2008 -- 8:24 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
The state is facing a $5.4 billion state budget shortfall, but state legislators say they have no control over the $2,500 pay raises they're scheduled to receive next year.
The state Department of Administration says lawmakers' annual salaries will rise $2,530 to just under $50,000.
The raises were approved when the Legislature's Joint Committee on Employment Relations voted to accept salaries recommended by the Office of State Employment Relations.
Lawmakers can't write a law next year rejecting the raises. The state Constitution bars changes in elected officials' pay during their terms.
The raises will cost $334,000. Critics acknowledge that amount wouldn't go far to address the shortfall, but say it would be symbolic to return the raises when so many others are struggling.
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