Lawmakers Up For Raise Amid Bad Economy
Maryland is $1.5 billion over budget and state workers are being furloughed, but a commission is recommending raises for the governor and state lawmakers.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — State lawmakers are currently up for a raise, even though Maryland is facing one of the worst economic crises in the state’s history.
The Maryland General Assembly is in an awkward position this election year. In the midst of a recession that has included layoffs, furloughs and record high unemployment, all 188 members will have the opportunity to give themselves a pay raise. An unscientific sampling of taxpayers signals that voting yes is potentially political suicide, 11 News I-Team reporter David Collins said.”The economy is bad. It’s absurd to think an elected official can vote to give themselves a raise. If they do that, then they should vote to give everyone in state government a raise,” said taxpayer Vania Apricio.The state Constitution allows it. Every four years, the General Assembly Compensation Commission meets to discuss whether to increase legislative pay and/or upgrade benefits such as medical and retirement packages, or even reimbursements for expenses.
