(AP) – Missouri senators have taken the final step to deny
pay raises for themselves and other elected officials.
Senators voted 25-2 against the raises late Monday. They had until Wednesday
to act.
The vote came after Republican Gov. Eric Greitens put pressure on lawmakers to
oppose the raise, which prompted a prickly response from some senators.
Republican Sen. Paul Wieland described Greitens' tactic as intimidation and
said he felt insulted.
Seven senators recused themselves, although one later voted. They argued
voting on their own pay raises is a conflict of interest. Others criticized the
move as an effort to support raises without voting.
In Missouri, a citizen panel recommends how much lawmakers and statewide
elected officials are paid. The raises can be blocked if two-thirds of the
Legislature votes against them.
pay raises for themselves and other elected officials.
Senators voted 25-2 against the raises late Monday. They had until Wednesday
to act.
The vote came after Republican Gov. Eric Greitens put pressure on lawmakers to
oppose the raise, which prompted a prickly response from some senators.
Republican Sen. Paul Wieland described Greitens' tactic as intimidation and
said he felt insulted.
Seven senators recused themselves, although one later voted. They argued
voting on their own pay raises is a conflict of interest. Others criticized the
move as an effort to support raises without voting.
In Missouri, a citizen panel recommends how much lawmakers and statewide
elected officials are paid. The raises can be blocked if two-thirds of the
Legislature votes against them.
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