State representatives unanimously rejected the Delaware Compensation Commission’s proposal to give judges and some cabinet secretaries pay raises Thursday.
The commission’s recommendation would’ve increased salaries for judges by 6 percent and salaries for some cabinet secretaries by between two and nine percent. The salary increases would have been phased in over two years.
Lawmakers widely opposed the proposal, citing an unknown revenue forecast for next year.
But Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South) took it in a different direction, saying the commission snubbed the legislature.
“The fact that a third branch of government was not included brings me some pause. This body, this chamber, as well as the senate, deserve as much respect as the executive and the judiciary branches,” said Keeley.
Keeley tempered those remarks by saying she doesn’t feel that the General Assembly necessarily deserves a raise and that she appreciates the work that went into the report.
The Senate will take up the issue next. It is not likely to face much opposition there either.
