The House of Representatives has requested its Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Labor and Rules, Orders and Administration to review the pay grade of legislative staffers.
Plenary reached the decision following a communication from Maryland County’s district #2 Representative, Anthony F. Williams.
“Hon. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, following my certification and subsequent induction by this honorable body, I received a package from the Chief Clerk’s office containing the House’s Rules and Procedures, LACC Asset Declaration Form, and a breakdown of staffers’ salaries and coupons,” Representative Williams stated.
He said immediately upon receipt of the documentation, keen interest was placed on the pay grade of staffers, considering their income tax deduction and considerably matching their net pay to the prevailing economic living condition of today, coupled with other challenges.
According to him, the pay grade seems disturbing, especially for staffers who dedicate, exclusively, all of their time to work, unlike other government ministries and agencies that are involved in programs and activities with extra benefits to complement their salaries.
“Honorable Speaker and distinguished colleagues, with the above condition, I write to request the indulgence of this honorable body for increment of salary and benefits for our staff because these people are our direct representatives in our various districts and taking all of the intellectual bullets, verbal/physical attacks, security and other forms of intimidations, as well as making meaningful contributions on our behalf at times,” he disclosed.
In a related development, the Maryland County district #2 representative is seeking the creation of additional positions in the district offices of lawmakers. They include youth, women, religious, persons living with disability, disadvantaged youths, scholarship, security coordinators and information officer.
Meanwhile, the joint committee is expected to report within a period of two weeks.