Hundreds Protest Pa. Lawmakers' Pay Raises

[buzzsaw_23]

Hundreds Protest Pa. Lawmakers' Pay Raises


Tuesday September 27, 2005 3:16 AM

By PETER JACKSON

Associated Press Writer

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - More than 1,000 people shouting ``repeal, repay, reform or resign'' gathered in drizzling rain Monday to protest recent pay raises for lawmakers passed in the dead of night.

The demonstrators huddled beneath umbrellas on the Capitol steps, blowing whistles, waving signs and chanting slogans, while members of the House and Senate reconvened for the first time since they approved the raises in July.

The measure pushed the minimum salary to $81,050 - second only to the amount California pays its lawmakers. It also boosted salaries for the offices of House Speaker John Perzel and Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer, both Republicans, and Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

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Joe Cramer, 63, of New Holland, said he has to keep working to pay his medical bills and property taxes, while the ``crooks'' in the Legislature ignored those issues and fattened their own pocketbooks.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5304777,00.html

[skooooo]

1. protesting is in vogue

[modrepub]

2. As a PA state worker

who's last contract delayed raises, started paying for benefits this summer, was asked to justify every travel expense and worked overtime with no compensation this legislative pay raise was a real slap in the face. There have been similar calls by others within the state. I'm not holding my breath on this. My state reps have been reelected for decades. They've done this before without much fuss.

[Momof1]

3. Actually, I have hope

That pay raise comes when everyone is shelling out major bucks for gas, and this winter with heating oil thru the roof. I don't think the voters are going to forget about it.

Everyone I talk to pub or dem are absolutely jacked about this. Especially the middle of the night vote.