MADISON - State Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, on Friday joined a handful of legislators who have said publicly they will not accept the pay raise lawmakers are receiving this year.
Schultz earlier this month said he would accept his pay raise but donate it to local charities. Lawmakers saw their annual salaries increase $2,350, a 5.3 percent increase, over their salaries of $47,413 when the Legislature began its session this month. But because of the state's fiscal crisis and the national economic recession, some lawmakers stated they would decline the raise.
Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, and Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, said they intended to reject the raise and return their money to the state. Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, said he will donate his increase to charity.
Schultz, in a news release Friday, said he now will return the raise.
"Each legislator is equipped to decide how their time and salary is used to best serve the people they represent," Schultz said.
"The sluggish economy has resulted in job losses and worried families. That's why after earnestly seeking input from the people of southwest and south central Wisconsin, I am returning my pay raise to the state treasury to help reduce the state budget deficit."
Schultz earlier this month said he would accept his pay raise but donate it to local charities. Lawmakers saw their annual salaries increase $2,350, a 5.3 percent increase, over their salaries of $47,413 when the Legislature began its session this month. But because of the state's fiscal crisis and the national economic recession, some lawmakers stated they would decline the raise.
Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, and Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, said they intended to reject the raise and return their money to the state. Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, said he will donate his increase to charity.
Schultz, in a news release Friday, said he now will return the raise.
"Each legislator is equipped to decide how their time and salary is used to best serve the people they represent," Schultz said.
"The sluggish economy has resulted in job losses and worried families. That's why after earnestly seeking input from the people of southwest and south central Wisconsin, I am returning my pay raise to the state treasury to help reduce the state budget deficit."