MORRIS COUNTY — Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature:
“At a time when many individuals and families in New Jersey are struggling to make ends meet; and at a time when so many middle-class homeowners and business owners are suffering the crushing impact of the highest property taxes in the nation, it is the height of insensitivity for the state lawmakers to give themselves a 67 percent pay increase.
“Instead of thinking about themselves, the legislators should be thinking about the people paying the taxes and retirees who have not had a simple cost of living increase in 12 years.
“It is shameful that the legislators most responsible for the high cost of living in New Jersey – the legislators, who six months ago approved the biggest budget in state history – would now think of rewarding themselves rather than working to relieve the financial burden they have placed on their constituents.
“I cannot in good conscience vote for a pay increase for the legislature until we start addressing the economic and tax issues that are harming New Jersey’s working people.”
