Tonight Viewer's Voice Question:
What do you think about the pay raise & the small number of lawmakers who won't take the money?
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Related Article
Mass. GOP lawmaker refuses pay hike, cites economy
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Concernedcitizan14, Holden, MA
Christopher Jenkins, Stow, MA
Viewer Voices
"I can't believe the arrogance of not only the members of the Massachusetts Legislature, but our Congressional delegation for taking their respective pay raises. Enough is enough already, the people are broke and are scared to death of losing everything that they have worked for, while these hypocrites who helped cause our problems keep taking more and more. It is time for another tea party!" Mary, Boston, MA
"They work for the State part time... average of $67,000.00 for part time work? I work full time in the medical profession and I don't make that kind of money nor do I get the time off they do. How many show for each vote? How many things have the tax payers voted for they have actually enacted other than their pay raises? I say shame on them for even considering the pay raise when this is PART TIME and the have not done a very good job, plus it's a recession. Those same folks who voted the raise when times were good are now out of work and struggling... don't they listen to the news?" Terri/Groveland, Ma
"The people of Massachusetts should not be surprised we keep electing these people they are all in for the money and pension. It is amazing that all the Democrats enjoy pay raises every year. Two weeks ago Governor Patrick froze the pay raises for state workers; today he is advertising the people in Massachusetts that a pay raise is available to employees already making 59K a year. There is something wrong with this picture. This is an outrage. I hope they spend the increase and enjoy themselves while people have no heat and food in Massachusetts." James K Shields, North Quincy, MA
"I continue to be amazed by Massachusetts politicians and their greedy, brazen behavior. At this time, with the economy in the tank, taxpayer money being given to countless corporations, people losing their jobs and cities and towns struggling to make ends meet, we have a bunch of legislators who see it appropriate to give themselves raises?! You've got to be kidding! Only in Massachusetts." Dave, Arlington, MA
"I am a semi-retired gentleman at the age of 69 and am working part-time, mainly because I have to, in order to supplement my Social Security and then I hear that the state rep's are getting a raise NOW, of all times. This hike is almost what I make in a year. What is even more frustrating is that it was sanctioned by the Executive Branch of state government which makes me wonder how this country has survived for more than 200 years with 'public servants' treating their constituents in a matter such as this. A salary of $55K plus their perks is pretty good for a part-time job. It's politics as usual again. You wash my back and I'll wash yours." 7 Viewer
"At this time, when so many people are going without basic necessities due to layoffs, downsizing, outsourcing and the general disarray of the economy, it is unconscionable for the Legislators to be considering, never mind accepting, a pay raise. Do they have any idea what it is like to go without oil so you can pay the rent? To skip buying medicine so you can buy food? Well I do, and so do many others in my situation - both my husband and I are out of work, and a $3,200 bonus in our pocket would go a long LONG way ... as it would for countless others who aren't as fortunate as we are to still have some unemployment benefits left, but no one has made one available for unemployed taxpayers. The politicians who have said thanks but no thanks to this outrageous act of self-serving hypocrisy deserve to be praised and re-elected!" Linda Domack, Oxford, MA
"How dare the Legislators even consider accepting a pay hike with the economy in such a horrific state. They are making cuts to necessary services; people are losing their jobs and their homes; why should this pay raise even be considered at all? If anything they need to take a pay cut. I worked in the State House for five years, was laid off some years ago and when I wanted to come back to work there I was told there is a hiring freeze and the budget will not allow it. I'm angry that they have the money for a pay raise but not to hire me back. I am outraged!" 7Viewer, Quincy, MA
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they are taking a 5.5% pay increase when they are talking about laying off public safety.They were elected to look out for the people and what are they doing looking out for themselves.I think they need to be removed from office.All we hear about is that the state needs money and this is what they do? unbelievable. I am in public safety and wonder if i am going to be able to keep my job and to hear that they are going to have a 5.5% pay increase is a slap in our face. That way of thinking is probably how the economy got where it is today." 7Viewer
"I applaud the lawmakers who are not taking the pay raise. I understand Gov Patrick's motive, however in this economy, with so many people out of work this is not the time to do this." Valerie
"Giving them a pay raise is crazy with our economy and cutting our budgets right now. They make enough money to survive and us little people have had our raises frozen. Take the money they are supposed to get it and put it to better use!" 7Viewer
"It shows some politicians are still public servants, not self servants like Diane Wilkerson or Chuck Turner." Mike
"I absolutely agree that they should not receive a pay hike while the economy is doing so poorly and most families are struggling to make ends meet. And it is insane to me that given the current state of the budget and impending budget cuts, that every single lawmaker hasn't said the same." 7Viewer
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