There is re-newed discussion of a pay raise for legislators in the news- always a sticky subject in an election year.
The last time the legislators voted themselves a pay raise was in 1995. That year they limited their increase only to the extent other state employees got a raise. Looking back however, they gave themselves pay increases every year from 1983 through 1995.
Explaining the failure of recent proposals setting up regular reviews and adjustment of legislative compensation and mileage reimbursements, Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand (D-Cumberland) said ?some colleagues were worried their vote would be used against them in fall campaigns.?
Somehow they?re not worried about the huge increases in the state budget ? 438% increase in government spending between 1983 and 2008. Now that?s something that could be used in the fall campaigns!
