Every two years the Missouri Citizens’ Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials meets to discuss the compensation of state officials, General Assembly members and judges. This group is made up of 21 citizens: 12 appointed by the governor, seven appointed by the secretary of state, and one appointed by the Supreme Court. The Commission studies other states’ elected officials’ compensation plans and uses that information to make their recommendations. In December, the Commission recommended a pay increase for statewide elected officials and members of the General Assembly.
In order for the pay increase to be rejected, the Legislature has to vote on the measure or it will go into effect automatically. In my years as your elected official, I have never and will never vote on a pay increase for myself. Many Missourians are living within smaller budgets and it would not be right to give ourselves a pay raise while so many are doing more with less. The increase was rejected by an overwhelming majority of the members of the General Assembly. I am proud to stand up for my constituents by rejecting the pay increase.
I would also like to let the constituents of the 33rd Senate District know about Senate Bill 190. This bill would modify provisions relating to ratemaking for public utilities. This bill does not have any effect on the 33rd Senate District. Only Ameren Missouri, KCP&L and Empire customers will be affected by this bill.
It has been brought to my attention that AARP has been contacting their members in the 33rd Senate District and informing them their utility bills are going to go up automatically because of Senate Bill 190. This is not accurate and is not going to happen. I find it despicable that they are misleading citizens and frightening them for no good reason. I promise you I will keep you informed on any changes that might be made to your utilities. If you have any questions regarding any proposed legislation, please call my office and I or my staff will be happy to help you.
Mike Cunningham is a Republican member of the Missouri State Senate, representing District 33. Contact him at 573-751-1882 or www.senate.mo.gov/cunningham
