Thanks, but no thanks
I can hear the clicking of keyboards as angry residents across Chester County fire off e-mails and letters to their legislators regarding the recent cost-of-living adjustment they received. I fully understand their anger, because I am angry, too.
I ran on a platform of not taking any pay raise while in office, so when I learned I was due a cost-of-living adjustment I simply wanted to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
I haven’t been in office a full year and already I was getting a raise? That rarely happens in the public sector, and it shouldn’t happen at the state capitol.
I quickly learned, however, that you can’t just say “no” to a COLA if you are a legislator.
I contacted the chief clerk of the House and asked if I could turn it down. I received a letter from comptroller Alexis Brown stating that I could not because state law prohibits legislators from selecting their level of compensation.
However, just because the increase is included in my paycheck doesn’t mean I have to keep it, and I won’t. I will divide the adjustment among five local charities. And I will not declare the donations as charitable deductions on my federal tax return.
My parents taught me that community service is something everyone should do, whether it’s running for public office or simply reading books to children at the local library. When I came to Harrisburg, it was to represent the needs of the people of the 156th Legislative District, not to strike it rich.
I am proud to serve the people of the 156th, and it is in their best interest that I choose to donate my cost-of-living adjustment for the betterment of the community we all call home.