Some People Outraged About State Lawmakers Pay Raise - NewsChan...

In the midst of massive budget cuts in Tennessee and layoffs, state lawmakers are getting a pay raise.

[Bill Taylor]

I think the state lawmaker's pay should be determined by popular vote by the citizens of the state. This would undoubtedly prevent their pay from being increased and possibly cause the lawmakers to actually perform their responsibilites as lawmakers.

[cannoneer2]

Wrong. They are directly responsible for their raise. They voted to link their per diem rate with the federal reimbursement rate for the Nashville area. They knew it wouldn't happen immediately, and that they'd be able to shift the blame to the Feds.

[freedomfirst]

I for one am - as a senior citizen I get no increase in my SS which equals about $14 a day per month anyhow. And of course my Medicare is going up and these people have the audacity to give themselves raises. Well PLEASE - don't rub salt into our wounds...keep it to yourself or share it! This country is plum upside down.

[Catherine Brown]

We have to many people suffering in the world today with no job and no insurance so why should they need more. What happened to its better to give then receive.

[Linda Odom]

I dont think they need a raise .We didnt get cost of living because state didnt have money . Let them live like we who pay their salaries do. They get more that I do now. I worked many years for my S>S and State Retirement .I thank God daily that I get them. Sincerly, Linda Odom, 37187

[Elise]

This pay increase for our state lawmakers is absurd, with all the many lay-offs. Just think of the people whose jobs could have been saved.

[Mary]

No, I do not think the State Lawmakers deserve a raise at this time.

[Brad]

Hell no!

[billydheggie]

NO OWN PAY RAISE IF RETIRED PEOPLE CAN'T GET COST OF PAY RAISE NO BOBY SHOULD OR THERE SHOULD BE NO RAISE AT ALL OR WE SHOULD BEABLE TOO SURE.?

[wayne kress]

federal employes are getting 2% raise & tn goverment getting 8% & those of us on social sec. get no raise "COLA'' medicare going from 90 something to 100 something something wrong here.

[joanejones]

My spouse & myself say no to an inccrease in lawmakers salary.
Please count this as 2 no votes.

[Mary]

No, they don't deserve it. Everyone else had to give up their increase cost of living for "not enough",...

[DumInjun]

Tennessee has Fallen into the Way Washington Does,SPEND< SPEND. I Believe It Is Time For America To Replace All in Office , ANY BODY COULD NOT Do WORSE. Wake Up America, We Do Need Change!

[sara herren]

i say no to pay rasies people on fixed income didnt get a raise this year and we live on peanuts compared to state law makers.

[joan and Mel Gatlin]

We are simply outraged that the legislature would take a pay raise when the Tennessee budget is is deep trouble, laying off people, cutting the budget. Don't try to wig out of it by saying "we didn't do it", you are not wanting any part of the health care reform because it is costing too much money, however we don't see you refusing anything that comes your way. How much money has the war cost, and is still costing with no end in sight? We didn't see Tennessee refuse any of the stimulus money from the government but you gripe about the government spending too much money. Don't take the raise you should be bigger than that.

[John T - Hermitage]

The slant of this story is the type of reporting that gives the media a bad name. A $19,000 salary for a state legislator is a joke. The so called raise is in the per diem rate. Per diem is reimbursement of travel expenses. While the state may be able to save some of our tax revenues through careful planning, it is not cheap to stay in a downtown hotel. Meals while away from home for days at a time are also expensive. As a frequent business traveler, i find it offensive that you describe travel per diem as 'pay'. On the other hand, it would be news if you discovered that legislators in the local commuting area are claiming per diem when home is just down the street or claiming per diem when they are not here.

[lilone]

I disagree a pay rise for the state lawmakers. Why is everyone at sometime has to endure paycuts, but never the lawmakers. Let them feel what it is like to have to manage on a personal budget from the past year into a new year with prices continually being rised.

[MAD AS HELL]

No lawmakers should not get a raise. Take the money and spread it out among the people of Tennessee. Lawmakers make enough already. Think about the jobless, elderly on low fixed income, homeless and people without insurance. That money would make such a difference to those people.

[Mary Marsh]

I don't think lawmakers should get a raise. NO NO NO

[outraged in the boro]

it't a crying shame. people are in bad shape and these bumbs get a raise, it just goes to show how big a bunch crooks most people in public office are, tell us to tighten are belts and they sit back and get fat, we need another tea party