|
|
|
For Immediate Release Regola: Judges Shouldn't Be Punished for Refusing Raise Legislation would remove penalties for officials who decline hikes Senator Bob Regola, R-Westmoreland, is drafting legislation that would lift tax and pension penalties imposed on judges and other state officials who refuse pay increases. Senator Regola said he decided to prepare the bill in response to the issues that arose after a judge decided to refuse a Supreme Court-ordered, 11-percent pay increase. Even though Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin does not want the raise granted to state judges, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts informed her that she will be taxed as though she accepted the additional money and will also receive an increase in her pension. “We are now seeing that the unpopular decision by the state Supreme Court to reinstate the pay raise for judges has another unfortunate consequence. Any judge who declines to accept the pay increase will still be taxed on that money and will receive a pension benefit from it,” Senator Regola said. "It is unfair that state officials be taxed on money they do not accept. Also, they should not be forced to accept a pension increase if they do not want it. That’s just common sense," Senator Regola continued. "Therefore, I am preparing this legislation to specifically and clearly eliminate the tax and pension requirements imposed on any state officials who refuse a salary increase." Recognizing the turmoil regarding the judicial pay increase -- which came to a climax with last month’s state Supreme Court decision overturning legislation that repealed the hikes -- Senator Regola said his bill will be reviewed by legal experts before it is introduced. "The legislation I am developing will take into account any constitutional issues that may arise. If it takes a constitutional amendment to ultimately clear the way for these changes, that must receive consideration in the next legislative session," Senator Regola said. Contact: Tom Hower |
Main Capitol
|
Greensburg Office
|
North Huntingdon Office
|
Mount Pleasant Office
|
Latrobe Office
|
