Should legislators get raises?

Date: 2/3/2017

I have almost nothing against most of our legislative delegation. Sure, a couple of them are obsessed with posting selfies, but generally I think they are doing a fine job.

It’s not easy being a state rep or state senator from our area. You are hopelessly outnumbered and you constantly have to build alliances in order to try to get your legislation passed.

Generally I believe they do a solid job representing our interests.

I even consider several of them as friends.

This introduction is my way of insulating me from the wrath that is bound to come: I don’t think that passing a pay raise for themselves was a good idea and that Gov. Charlie Baker was right for his veto at this time.

In a written statement, Baker said, “Lt. Gov. Polito and I are deeply thankful for our collaborative relationship with the Legislature that has produced positive results for the people of Massachusetts – and while we disagree on the issue of compensation, we are optimistic that we will continue to work together to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people of Massachusetts. One of those core responsibilities is the responsible custody of the people’s tax dollars, and we will veto this legislation because given the current fiscal outlook for the state, now is not the time to expend additional funds on elected officials’ salaries.”    

I think that one of the most difficult things any legislative body can do is to boost its own pay. Even if they deserved the increase, it looks bad.

Now if you owned your own business, you could raise your own pay if you liked. If you work for a business that has evaluations and a merit raise program, you could earn a raise.  You might work for a place where you just have to come in on bended knee and throw yourself on the mercy of the boss.

How does a state legislature justify its own pay increase? Is there a way to evaluate them in their effectiveness as our voice in state government?

We can see if they missed votes. We can analyze how they voted. These would be two benchmarks.

We could pay attention to how often they attend public events or how responsive they are to constituent concerns.  The trouble with all of these standards is the average person would have difficulty finding the time to assemble them and then determining what they mean.

Some voters are just one issue judges. If a legislator comes down on the wrong side of a single issue, they could be considered less than effective.

What’s the solution? Should there be a cost of living raise worked into state law? Should an outside commission be formed to look at merit raises? Should the Commonwealth admit considering being a state rep or a state senator less public service and more of a state job?

These are questions to consider. As a capitalist I don’t begrudge someone from earning the money they deserve. How to determine that for an elected official is not easy.

This opinion is solely that of the author and does not represent the owners or advertisers of Reminder Publications. Comments are welcomed at news@thereminder.com.