Rhode Island House Rejects Cabinet Pay Raises Amid Budget Concerns
Warwick Democrat K. Joseph Shekarchi, the House Speaker, announced on Tuesday the House’s decision to reject proposed salary increases for Cabinet members, citing the state’s challenging budget outlook and uncertainty regarding federal funding. "This is no reflection on the job performance of the Cabinet members," Shekarchi emphasized.
Both Shekarchi and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma indicated that a special legislative session may be necessary in the fall, as the June budget approval could be complicated by unclear federal assistance.
House Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewski reinforced that the rejection wasn’t about individual Cabinet performance but rather the financial circumstances. Representative Charlene M. Lima added her concerns about raises in today’s economic climate, questioning why a formal resolution was needed since the budget could simply omit the increases.
Blazejewski explained that Rhode Island law requires the proposed salaries to be submitted for General Assembly review by the end of April, with specified timelines for acceptance or rejection. If no action is taken by the Senate, several proposed raises will automatically take effect, including significant increases for directors across various departments.
Governor Dan McKee’s spokesperson defended the proposed pay raises, arguing that prior to McKee’s tenure, many Cabinet members had not seen salary increases for years and that incremental raises help maintain competitive compensation without overwhelming the budget.
This rejection marks a significant moment, as it’s believed to be the first time the House has actively voted to deny such raises. The Senate is currently deliberating its response to this resolution, with decisions expected by Thursday.
For more updates on this developing story, contact Edward Fitzpatrick at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com.
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