BOSTON – Today, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) voted against legislation in the Senate that would increase stipends for members of the Legislature and raise salaries for certain positions in state government.
In addition to raising the salaries of constitutional officers by a minimum of $40,000, the legislation would mark the first increase in stipends for legislators since 1982. In particular, the bill would roughly double stipend amounts for legislators who serve as the chairs or vice-chairs of legislative committees, and increase compensation for members who serve in leadership positions. The bill also increases the salaries of judges by $25,000 and removes per-diems for legislator travel.
Moore, one of only nine senators to vote against the provision, cited recent cuts to the Fiscal Year 2017 budget and the difficult fiscal situation facing the Commonwealth as the primary reasons for voting against the measure.
“Responsibility is my policy,” said Senator Moore. “As an elected official, I have the opportunity to help improve our region and enhance the lives of residents in the community. While I recognize the merits of updating compensation formulas that have remained widely unaltered for years, or even decades, I do not feel comfortable accepting the level of compensation authorized by this legislation.”
The bill has advanced to the Governor’s desk for consideration. If vetoed, the Legislature can override the veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives. If a legislative override is successful, Senator Moore will not accept an increase in the level of compensation currently received.