Republican lawmakers in Delaware say no need for raise

The Delaware Compensation Commission will soon release its recommendations for or against pay increases for state lawmakers.  However, GOP lawmakers say there is no need for a pay raise.

All 22 Republican members of the Delaware General Assembly have signed on to a letter to the commission, arguing against a raise for lawmakers.  “We just believe that the compensation levels are already fair and adequate,” says Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle, R-Sharpley.

Every four years, the six member Compensation Commission evaluates the pay of legislators, judges and top leaders in the executive branch, including the Governor.  The commission compares pay for leaders in Delaware with their counterparts in other similar states and makes a report with recommendations.  

The GOP letter only calls for state lawmakers pay to be left the same, and doesn’t mention judicial or executive branch pay.  They say with tough financial decisions ahead, now is not the time to increase pay.  

“We should be focusing our attention on the major fiscal issues at hand, not the least of which are $200 million in tax increases that are scheduled to start expiring next year,” said House Minority Leader Daniel Short (R- Seaford).  “Potentially having to consider a salary increase when the commission submits its recommendation early next year will only distract lawmakers from dealing with the more important financial issues.”

The Compensation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday at the Haslet Armory in Dover from 3 to 5 p.m.