The PA legislative pay raise has been repealed. For once, lawmakers had their pay raises rolled back by popular demand. On July 7th, this 16% pay raise for Pennsylvania legislators passed quickly and easily through the state senate, and was signed into law the next day by Gov. Ed Rendell (D). After a four-month public outcry, the pay raise has been terminated. Rendell signed the legislation yesterday, and said:

"I urge the legislature to return to the people's business and hope that by signing this bill, we can channel the great interest and energy that was focused on this issue for the good of the citizens we serve."

Senate Majority Leader David Brightbill (R) said:

"We are here to correct a mistake. As one of the people who exercised poor judgment, I would like to apologize."

I hope this encourages voters to make their voices heard more often. If we stand up to politicians and make it clear that they work for us, and that they can lose their office if they put their interests ahead of ours, perhaps they will think twice before abusing their privileges. Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer said this:

Anger over the pay raises, which upped base legislative salaries 16 percent, to $81,050, brought together voters from both ends of the political spectrum and ushered in an era of activism among an electorate better known for its apathy.

"Better known for its apathy"? Are they talking about Pennsylvanians? Perhaps we should continue to send messages that we will not be so apathetic in the future.

The Inquirer article:
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/13186830.htm