PAYRAISES AND BUDGET CUTS

By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

January 17, 2009

  

Well, the House and Senate are back in formal session.  The first thing we did was vote to give Governor Patrick expanded 9C powers to cut more from the current state budget, including, unfortunately, local aid, the money that comes back to cities and towns from Boston to run local government and schools.

I voted against the bill.  Along with many of my Republican House colleagues I took the podium Wednesday during the floor debate to attempt to persuade my fellow legislators not to allow the Governor to cut local aid.  We were unsuccessful.

I just didn’t think Governor Patrick had done a good enough job explaining where he would make his cuts and how deep they would go.  I also felt the Legislature should not abdicate our authority and responsibility concerning the budget to the Governor.  Most of the services people use are at the local level: trash, fire, police, sewer, libraries, senior centers.  I believe making cuts to these essential services should be the last resort.

Last week, I wrote about swearing in day and the start of the 186th session of the Great & General Court.  I had already written my column and sent it to the Westfield Evening News when the topic of the legislative pay raises came up.

Just so you know I will not accept the 5.5% Constitutional legislative base compensation adjustment (a.k.a. the Legislator’s pay raise) that Governor Deval Patrick certified on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 for this calendar year.

In light of the current economy, further budget cuts, and fiscal realities facing Massachusetts this year I cannot in good conscience personally accept an increase to my legislator salary.

Instead, throughout the year, I will donate the amount of the pay raise to 10 charities and groups in my district that benefit the people of Westfield. 

I would rather the money go to help the children, seniors, veterans, environment, and quality of life in Westfield than the state’s general fund.

As government leaders, how can we tell our constituents, state employees, and government agencies that they need to endure the cuts brought on by this economy while we go ahead and accept a pay raise?

 In 2003, when I first became a member of the House, I sent a letter to the state Treasurer and declined the pay raise.   When it became clear to me that I would again need to ask others to tighten their fiscal belts I made this decision.  How could I ask others to share in the austerity if I don’t do the same?

It may be largely symbolic, but I believe it's the right thing to do. 

My office sent out a press release this week looking for Legislative Interns who may be interested in working in either my Westfield or State House offices.  Call me or my Chief of Staff Sarah Latour at 568-1366 if you or someone you know may be interested.

The latest installment of my cable show, From the State House to Your House, is now running on Channel 15 and features Justice John Greaney and Judge Peter Velis.  This month we are talking about the 150th anniversary of the Massachusetts Superior Court. 

The show runs Sundays at 4:30 PM, Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, and Thursdays at

10:30 AM and 10:30 PM.  I hope you will tune in, watch, and let me know what you think.

Thanks.  Have a good week.

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