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WASHINGTON
SAYS NO TO PAY RAISE
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Washington |
HARRISBURG, July 25
State Senator LeAnna M. Washington
(D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), who voted
against the controversial pay raise on July
7, announced today that she would not accept
the extra money through the unvouchered
payments.
It is inappropriate for me to accept a pay
raise when so many of my constituents are
facing financial hardships, Senator
Washington said. My top priorities have to
be my most vulnerable citizens, those who
can barely afford groceries and prescription
drugs.
The pay raise would boost the salaries for
the Legislature, as well as, leaders of the
executive and judicial branches of state
government.
Washington notified the Senate Chief Clerk
of her decision last week after hearing from
her constituents, who expressed concern over
how the pay raise was handled.
I listened to the concerns of those I was
elected to serve and made my decision
accordingly, Washington said. I intend to
focus my efforts on tackling the Medicaid
funding problem and ensuring that my
constituents come first. This is the worse
possible time for me to take a pay raise
with so many suffering.
Washington added that her decision was also
guided by her concern for the high cost of
medicines needed by seniors living in her
district.
"I am all too aware of the struggles of
everyday people trying to survive in today's
economic climate," Washington said. "I am
concerned about seniors trying to pay for
prescriptions and other health care costs.
The people elected me to serve them and I
want them to know that I am listening and I
understand their struggles." |
