Letters (Westmoreland)

Letter to the editor: Repercussions of 2005 scheme

Tribune-Review
By Tribune-Review
2 Min Read May 19, 2022 | 4 years Ago
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In Pennsylvania, we are approaching a date that should live in infamy and responsibility given.

We the people are living through difficult times, dealing with inflation, gas prices and supply chain issues. The hope for positive changes in the near future is dim. The meddling of the Federal Reserve and progressive Democrats is evident. Our federal government and politicians seem to care little about us, the citizens, and more about illegal aliens.

The pain Pennsylvanians are experiencing was intentionally inflicted on us by the Democrats. Now, the facts and history of this dilemma have come home to roost.

On or about July 7, 2005, the schemers planned a midnight assault on the Pennsylvania taxpayer. The chief architect of this thievery was Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy. The encouragement was supplied by then-Gov. Ed Rendell and state Rep. Mike Veon. They gave themselves a pay raise. Public scorn was quick.

Then the schemers ran for cover, sort of. They rescinded the pay raise. But the courts and the governor’s offices and cabinet got theirs. The legislators gave themselves a hidden pay raise based on Philadelphia’s cost of living adjustment (COLA).

So, over the years, the poor legislators got annual COLA increases, which until now were small. Did all of you get a COLA? In 2005, the legislators’ pay was $69,648. Now, because of COLA, it is approximately $88,610. Lest we forget the mileage, medical and benefits for themselves that are better than the average Pennsylvania citizen.

Tell me, how well you have done from 2005 to 2022?

Ray Borkoski

Ford City

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