Letter to the editor: Legislators working for themselves

One can only stare in disbelief at the editorial “Lawmakers’ big raises are an affront to Pa. taxpayers” (Aug. 21, TribLIVE). The audacity of our Pennsylvania legislators is breathtaking. At a time when many of us are struggling, our lawmakers give themselves a 14% raise in a two-year period. But that is only the beginning.

In addition to their six-figure salary, collectively they receive millions each year on per diems. To be reimbursed for these travel expenses, the lawmakers do not need to provide receipts. Then there is their generous benefit package and expenses for multiple satellite offices.

As the Trib has reported, Pennsylvania has some of the most permissive campaign finance laws in the country. There are no limits on how much money donors can give candidates and no restrictions on how they spend that money. Also, there are few restrictions on gifts from lobbyists and others. We have legalized bribery in our General Assembly.

It is no wonder that our Legislature is dysfunctional. They are working to increase their own wealth and power and for their donors. They are not working for their constituents. They will not increase our minimum wage, safeguard our air and water, support public school financing reform, secure our voting rights, renounce gerrymandering and stop interfering in elections.

We deserve better. We should demand better. Let’s fix Harrisburg and vote them out.

Joanne Garing

North Huntingdon