Part-Time Governor's Council Members Could See $10K Pay Increase

If Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker approves the newly passed budget for fiscal year 2016, eight part-time members of the obscure Governor’s Council would benefit from a $10,000 pay hike, according to the Boston Herald.

The panel members’ sole responsibility is it to approve judges and Parole Board members. If the budget is passed, the members would go from a salary of $26,025 to $36,025.

Many are hoping to disband the council after learning of the proposed pay increase. Its members meet just once per week. Massachusetts is just one of two states who still actually have one.

“It’s nothing against the people who serve there. But the system has had its day.” former state Sen. Barry Finegold told the Herald.

Governor Baker has 10 days to veto or approve the budget after it was passed by the state’s House on Tuesday.

“I would hope he would take a very quick look at it and veto it,” GOP state Sen. Robert Hedlund told the Herald.