Board suggests pay increases for Massachusetts top politicians

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) --  Fat pay raises could be in store for top elected officials on Beacon Hill.

The Special Advisory Commission Regarding the Compensation of Public Officials has called for boosting the governor's salary from $151,000 to $185,000, which is a $33,000 bump plus a $65,000 housing stipend..
 
It wants the House speaker's pay to go from $102,000 dollars to $175,000, which is bump of more than $72,000. The Senate President would receive the same increase.
 
The commission says higher pay would attract talent, and argues more than 1,200 employees make more than the governor. 

"This is an important position. We believe that it should be adequately compensated," said Ira Jackson, chairman of the commission.  

Cathy Minehan, who is also on the commission, said "we come up in the middle and I think that's not where Massachusetts should be in terms of the kind of economy we have."

This commission also wants reforms.
It wants to get rid rid of those per-diem expenses for lawmakers, and keep top lawmakers from holding additional jobs. 

Secretary of State Bill Galvin makes $130,000, and he agrees with the special advisory board that he deserves a boost. 

"The question is, should I be paying people more money than I make, and I think most people would say that's kind of upside down," Galvin told FOX 25 political reporter Sharman Sacchetti.

Galvin says he hasn't seen a general pay raise in over a decade, though he did say Governor Romney recommended a cost of living increase in 2006.

The panel believes he deserves a $34,000 hike, up to $165,000 a year. 

"I think some adjustment is appropriate. What the exact amount should be, that could be determined. It should be a public hearing and some opportunity. There hasn't been a general adjustment in 14 years," Galvin said.                 

Governor-elect Charlie Baker says he hasn't seen the report, but doesn't believe this is the right time to be talking about this. 

He called it "the wrong conversation for the people of Massachusetts and its elected officials." 

Sacchetti asked him if he'd take a position on the pay raise.                

"I don't know what the report says," he replied. 

When asked about the housing stipend, he repeated, "I'd like to read the report and I don't want a housing stipend, okay, I can tell you that point blank."

Baker went on to say if it comes across his desk, "I would probably veto it."

In a statement, Governor Patrick signaled support.
 
The House Speaker and Senate President wouldn't go on camera, but in statements said they look forward to reviewing this report.    

This must first be approved by the legislature and signed by the governor.                                             
 
To give you some context, the governor of New Hampshire makes just under $122,000 dollars a year, and the governor of Connecticut makes $150,000 a year.

Cox Media Group