Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) has introduced legislation that would halt automatic pay raises for Pennsylvania’s Legislature, governor, and lieutenant governor in years when the state budget is not passed by July 1.
“We need accountability in Harrisburg,” Shaffer said. “Our most important job as legislators and public officials is getting a state budget done in a timely manner. If lawmakers can’t pass a budget on time, they shouldn’t receive automatic pay raises. Failing to do their jobs on time has real consequences for the people of Pennsylvania.”
The bill, known as House Bill 1906, seeks to create both immediate and long-term incentives for all participants in the budget process.
“Seven of the past 10 years, the Legislature has failed to pass a budget on time,” Shaffer said. “This year, again, we are involved in a lengthy delay. Hard-working Pennsylvanians wouldn’t get a raise if they failed to do their jobs, so why should we?”
Shaffer noted that he has declined his paycheck during the current budget impasse as part of his commitment to accountability.
In addition to this measure, Shaffer is advancing his broader “Reform for Pennsylvania” plan. The initiative will include proposals such as term limits for elected officials, reducing the size of the House, shifting to a part-time legislature, moving to a bi-annual budget cycle, and removing certain legislative perks.
“Pennsylvanians deserve a government that works effectively and responsibly,” Shaffer added. “My Reform for Pennsylvania plan will do that, and I look forward to introducing more legislation in the near future.”
House Bill 1906 is currently under review by the House Appropriations Committee.
