Politics & Government
Legislators Given 3.2 Pay Increase, Rep. Reilly Declined
Rep. Reilly said he has declined a 3.2 pay increase which was given to legislators July 1
Representative Daniel P. Reilly (R-Dist. 72 Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport) has declined a 3.2 percent pay increase that was given to all state legislators at the beginning of this current fiscal year.
“I’m happy that many of my colleagues have also chosen to give up their raises, but I think that we need to do more,” said Reilly. He said that includes looking at the legislative budget as a whole, including health benefits and legislative grants, which he said do not face oversight and are not voted on by the General Assembly.
Reilly said he also does not accept the state-funded health insurance plan.
Effective July 1, state legislators were given a 3.2 percent pay increase pursuant to an amendment to the state constitution that took effect in the mid-1990’s. This change established a structure by which legislators’ compensation would be tied to the consumer price index (CPI) for the previous year.
According to this formula, it was determined that state legislators were entitled to a 3.2 percent pay increase.
“I can’t in good faith accept a raise while also calling for less government spending,” said Reilly. “The simple solution for me is to just refuse to accept it. I also feel that it is inappropriate for part-time legislators to get raises while our economy stagnates and our constituents continue to struggle.”
