House Democrats Continue to Milk the Pay Raise

Contact: ericepstein@comcast.net
Eric Epstein, Coordinator
(717)-541-1101

(Harrisburg, Pa) - RockTheCapital.org released its final review of current and former state legislators who accepted an increase in their pay through 'unvouchered expenses', refused to pay the money back, and retired or were defeated in 2006. (Please refer to graphic on the following page)

Eric Epstein, Coordinator of RockTheCapital.org, stated: "Fifty eight (58)* former and current House members have refused to return the 'unvouchered expenses' or donated the unconstitutional income to charities. In either instance, they have benefitted through increased wages, pension bounces or job promotions." (See pp. 12-35)

Epstein observed, House Democratic members who took 'unvouchered expenses' and did not pay the money back, have been rewarded with leadership positions (5), committee chairmanships, or an assignment to the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform. (See pp. i-2)

House Republicans have also rewarded payjackers with important positions, (See pp. iii & 12-36), and six sitting Senate members (all Democrats) have kept 'unvouchered expenses'. (See pp. iii & 12-13)

Epstein added, "It's time for a change, and the place to begin is with the House Democratic leadership. However, House Republicans can not sit on their hands, and take heart in their political impotency. In the absence of bold leadership, freshmen need to the lead and introduce legislation mandating the repayment of 'unvouchered expenses' and the elimination of pension bounces."

Approximate monthly taxpayer pension service for departing members of the class of 2006: $211,751.33

Lump sum, pension pay out for retired & defeated lawmakers of the class of 2006: $4,558,851

Estimated Monthly Medical Costs to Taxpayers of the class of 2006: $54,166.67

Approximate monthly taxpayer pension service for lawmakers who kept 'unvouchered expenses': $84,458

* Initially, 131 House members and 27 Senators signed up for 'unvouchered expenses'. Payments were received between July 7 and November 16, 2005, ranging from $1,288 to $14,553.32 (before taxes). The repealed pay raises would have boosted lawmakers' salaries from 16 to 54 percent, depending on seniority, rank, title and leadership.