Democrats in the state Legislature would probably just as soon be rid of the sparse number of Republicans that are there--particularly those that just tried to squeak-in a pay raise but have seen the vote blocked by GOP Leader Bradley Jones.
House Republicans have blocked a Democratic effort to raise the salaries of members of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, by tucking the extra dough into the state’s snow and ice removal budget.The raises would have doubled the bonus pay for the Revenue Committee co-chairs - Sen. Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) and Rep. John Binienda (D-Worcester) - and added $7,500 for House vice chairman Rep. William Straus’ (D-Mattapoisett) salary.
The proposed raises were tacked on as an amendment to a supplemental budget moving through the House that contained $70.4 million for snow and ice removal payments.
Republican House leader Bradley Jones of North Reading blocked the vote, which would have taken place during an informal session with few members in the chamber.
Lopsided party representation is never a good thing, especially when it's Democrats with nearly 90% representation.
Not that the respective constituents will do anything more than a slap on wrist to those Democrats who felt the need to get sneaky.
