"Notable Quotes"
Governor Tom Ridge:
"During the campaign I was asked if I would sign a pay raise and I said I would not." When asked if he would veto a raise if the legislature approved one, Ridge replied, "You bet."
Representative Samuel Rohrer:
"Certainly, the Constitution is clear about the Legislature voting and receiving raises in the same term, this is not to be allowed."
Senator Melissa Hart:
"As you appropriately cited, it is not permitted within the Pennsylvania Constitution for the General Assembly to give itself a pay raise in a non-election year."
Senator Eugene Porterfield:
"I voted 'no' on this voucher. I was going to decline it until I was informed that declining it merely meant those dollars would be sent to some other area of government, probably Philadelphia."
Representative Richard Geist:
"To avoid a situation of pay inequity amongst the members of the different legislative bodies, the unvouchered expense allowances were used."
Senator Harold Mowery, Jr.:
"I was elected on $47,000 and I am going to serve out my term at $47,000."
Representative Thomas Michlovic:
"The Senate always must use such a method, (unvouchered expenses) as they have four year terms and would be forced to pay lower salaries to half their members under a strict interpretation of the law."
Representative Jeffrey Coy:
"Equally disturbing economic misfortunes within my legislative district meant that I could not, in good conscience, support the raise."
Representative Harry Readshaw:
"Since the Governor eliminated Legislative Grants [WAMS] I accepted the pay increase so that I could return some money to the Legislative District."
Representative Michael Hanna:
"I did vote no for the pay raise and have made arrangements to return the funds to the Commonwealth's General Fund so that the taxpayers will save." NOTE: As of March 13, 1996, Representative Hanna has not returned the money.
Senator Scott Delp:
"I certainly agree with your assessment that the way the payraise was implemented tantamount of kicking in the back door of our State Constitution."
Senator Roger Madigan:
"Over the years, I have been faced with many complex votes but none as difficult as the issue of compensation for state officials."
Representative Kathy Manderino:
"I do not think that we should be 'getting around' the constitution. For this reason, I am not accepting the pay raise during my term."
Senator D. Michael Fisher:
"I'm not sure I received your payraise fax of December 1st, but I assume you are questioning the constitutionality of the unvouched expenses." ?????
Representative Patricia Carrone:
"The issue is really greater than a payraise, it is the legislature itself."
Representative Ivan Itkin:
"Several years ago, the court determined that raises in legislators' expense allowances are constitutional."
Senator Clarence Bell:
"Thanks for your message. You should contact your own State Senator."
Representative Albert Pettit:
"You raised issues about the unvouchered expense money which are a serious concern to me also. I do object to the idea of people getting a raise in pay in a way that circumvents the state constitution. ....I am depositing the money in a totally separate bank account from which I will make contributions to worthy causes."
Representative Ronald Cowell:
"Since legislation requires 102 votes for House passage, my vote did not make a difference in the outcome, but I felt that it was an appropriate vote."
Representative Jeffrey Habay:
"Pursuant to your recent inquiry pertaining to this sessions Legislative pay raise, I am writing to inform you that I have not accepted the pay raise and have advised the Chief Clerk to return the funds to the State Treasury."
Representative David Mayernik:
"Representative Mayernik feels that he has personally answered your questions and will not be sending any additional correspondence", M. Kimberly Steele.
Representative Thomas Petrone:
"There were no back-room deals made; it was enacted according to the Constitution of Pennsylvania."
Senator James Gerlach:
" ...it seems to me that the Pennsylvania Constitution is clear that compensation cannot be accepted until the next term of the legislator."
Senator Michael O'Pake:
"It is very important to note that this will not result in a tax increase. The money was in the budget."
Representative H. William DeWeese:
"I am not familiar with the technicalities of whether 'donations' are considered 'expenses' in any legal sense. However, it seems to me that any out-of-pocket expenditure is an expense, whether for charity or otherwise."
Senator F. Joseph Loeper:
Over the years I have been faced with many complex issues but none as difficult as the issue of compensation for state officials. The way in which this issue is reported by the media many times creates an atmosphere that raises concern among many constituents.
Senator Allyson Schwartz
"....it is difficult for legislators to be given a pay increase at a time when many in the Commonwealth are facing economic hardship."
Senator James J. Rhoades
During my tenure in the Senate, I have never voted for a legislative pay raise.
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