Sen. Sheehan declined pay raise and announced new communications

NORTH KINGSTOWN — Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett) has announced that he will decline his 2.1-percent salary increase.

Salaries for state lawmakers are governed by Article VI, Section 3 of the Rhode Island Constitution, with annual salary increases tied to the Consumer Price Index for the previous year.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CPI-U for the 12-month average ending in December 2017, the cost of living has risen by 2.1 percent. The pay for members of the legislature in the fiscal year that ended June 30 was $15,630.34. The cost-of-living increase of 2.1 percent amounts to $328.24. The new salary, effective July 1, 2018, for members of the Assembly is $15,958.58.

“With the need to tighten belts this and every year, I will not accept the constitutionally guaranteed pay raise,” said Senator Sheehan. “I do not think it is appropriate to accept a pay raise when sacrifices are being made all across state government.”

The constitutional change that established legislative salaries also allows them to receive health insurance benefits comparable to other state employees. Senator Sheehan does not accept the health insurance coverage and has, in the past as well, declined the waiver payment, previously $2002 and later reduced to $1001, for legislators who do not accept the health coverage.

In addition, Senator Sheehan announced the launch of his new campaign website www.senatorsheehan.com. “The new website features easy access to information about my experience, record and priorities in the next session, if honored with re-election,” said Senator Sheehan. Further, Senator Sheehan launched a brand new Instagram account under the name “senator_sheehan”. Senator Sheehan explained that “many younger voters use this platform. I wish to remain in contact with young people and issues important to them.”

Senator Sheehan reminded voters that his long-standing Facebook page: “SenatorJimSheehan” and Twitter (“SenatorSheehan”) account were still available to constituents.

-30-