I’m not as upset about the pay raise as some others are. It’s the first one since 1991, and it might possibly open the door to more citizen legislators who don’t have to be independently wealthy and/or self-employed to serve. Maybe it would even make our legislators less dependent on the $250/day handouts* from the lobbyists who have such tremendous influence in Montgomery. Hey — I can dream, right?
So it wasn’t the raise that bothered me so much; it was the voice vote. Now the vote is on the record; here is the final tally — the House vote was 57-41, and the Senate vote was 20-15. FYI, Rep. Todd voted NO.
* Each of the nearly 600 lobbyists in Montgomery is permitted to spend up to $250 per day per legislator without any public reporting.
It’ll open the door for newer legislators, alright.
Somehow, I doubt that this will put an end to lobbyist favors.
By the way, compared to other states, Alabama was right in the middle on what it paid its legislators, so if anything, the increase they passed in 1991 was exorbient then and was just starting to even out.
[...] Some Updates First, the raises. Here’s the list of legislators who voted to override the Governor’s veto and give themselves a 62% pay increase. My local rep – Patricia Todd – is, good for her, NOT on it. Reactions? For one side of the story, see this apology; for the other, see this vow of retribution. Here’sa first hand report of the unsuccessful protest in Montgomery. [...]
Those who are disappointed that this pay raise is now in effect or with the was it was handled may want to read 4827 on al.com’s Alabama Politics forum @ http://www.al.com/forums/alabamapolitics/
I suppose it was just an oversight that this posting does not mention that almost all Republicans voted against the pay raise and that almost all Democrats voted for it (I am quoting the Birmingham News). That is probably an inconvenient truth. Don’t worry, the Republicans will get that word out. The Democrats talk a great deal about standing up for the people but, when given the chance, usually shove the people out of the way in their mad rush to get to the trough first.
Earl