More Than A Symbolic Legislative Gesture

I would like to write in strong support of State Rep Steve Levy’s bill (H01620) "An Act Relative to Per Diem Pay for Legislators.” The bill opposes paying state legislators for "mileage, meals and lodging."

No one in the private sector gets paid to drive to work, nor do they get reimbursed for buying a sandwich from the office cafeteria. To use tax payer money to compensate state officials for gas money and lunch is a mistake, especially in this tough economic environment. Although cutting per diem pay will not be a massive reduction in state spending, it does represents an important and symbolic gesture elected officials can do to share in the sacrifice during this recession.

It's time to cut frivolous government spending and hold the Legislature accountable for how they spend our hard earned money. The average salary of a state official is $58, 237.15, while the average salary in MA is $33,460 and the median household income is $64,570.

Why should an official, who makes almost as much as the median household in Massachusetts, receive payments for driving to work, while someone earning average income does not? I highly recommend that you become more familiar with Rep Levy’s bill, and contact him if you would like to offer your support.