This early in the legislative session, it is uncommon for there to be so many high profile measures making their way through the legislative process. Usually, it is a few more weeks before debate on a certain bill really strikes a chord with most citizens.
The issue of pay raises for elected officials was one that would surely draw the attention of citizens of this great state, and I do not blame them. How can the raises of one select group not garner outrage?
State employees have only received minimal pay increases over the past few years. A one percent raise last year, a two percent raise in 2013 and a three percent raise in 2009 does little to help anyone, much less employees we depend on to keep this state running smoothly.
Private employers are struggling to keep their employees’ health coverage at current levels. The rising cost of health care has limited or prevented entirely their ability to provide raises to their employees for years; not because they don’t want to, or because employees don’t deserve it, but because they simply cannot afford to. Five years without a pay raise may seem daunting to some, but think of the thousands of constituents each of us has, and the tens of thousands of citizens of this state who have done without raises and are struggling to make ends meet with no respite in sight. Under these circumstances, for us to vote for a pay increase for ourselves, seems as if our focus is not where it should be. The only people benefiting from the passage of this legislation would be elected officials in this state. People who sought a job, knowing the salary and asking the citizens to have the faith and trust in us to do the job as described.
On Jan. 29, I spoke out publicly on the Senate Floor, stating my embarrassment and dismay that we might allow a bill to pass benefiting ourselves when our fellow state employees would receive nothing – zero – nothing! It made me sick at heart.
A Senate colleague of mine followed my comments by further stating that these raises are uncalled for. We, as elected state officials, knew the amount of pay we would receive once elected. There is no point to agree to the pay by running for a position, taking the oath office understanding you will receive a certain salary, and then weeks later file legislation hoping to increase that wage.
Thankfully, the Senate voted 31-3 to not accept the pay increase. However, that will not deter me in my efforts to reverse the current law that made this situation possible.
I plan to file a resolution that will ensure that lawmakers vote on this type of raise. The current law, as written, permits a pay raise for the Legislature, state-wide elected officials and the judiciary to automatically become effective on or after a certain date, whether the Legislature votes on it or not. My bill will prevent the pay increase unless it receives a vote in both chambers. No automatic pay raise should take place.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882. |
