John Lawrence, the Tea Party Republican who beat incumbent Democrat Tim Houghton in November to represent the 13th District in the Pennsylvania House has declared that he will accept neither per diems nor pension.
“The citizens of Chester County are tired of rhetoric and are looking for action,” he said. “If we are truly going to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and get a handle on excessive state spending, then it is incumbent upon me as a lawmaker to lead by example.”
Lawrence advocates replacing the current defined benefit plans for government workers with a defined contribution plan akin to the 401(k) of the private sector.
“Under the state pension system, if investment returns suddenly drop, as they have during the past few years, taxpayers are responsible for making up the difference. The citizens of Pennsylvania should not be forced to fund the pensions of state legislators especially while many individuals have seen their personal retirement savings lose value,” Lawrence said.
While the state’s pension policy is going to have a far greater impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians — the lame-duck bailout is estimated by Commonwealth Foundation to have a cost per household of $1,360 per year — the $163 per diem policy for state legislators is a far more glaring example is what is wrong with government in the state.
Don’t forget these guys are already getting a base pay of close to $80,000, a great health plan and, of course, a pension to die for.
Lawrence had earlier said he will not accept the cost of living increase .
Hat tip to Bob Guzzardi.
Rep. Lawrence is no relation to the proprietor of this site.