
Rep Joe A Marino III - Gretna
State lawmakers returned to the capitol today for a two-month long legislative session. They will be asked to vote for a that would legislator’s pay from $16,800 annually to $60k. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980 and if the bill by Gretna Representative Joe Marino is approved, it will go into effect next year.
“It’s a cost of living adjustment that has never occurred,” Marino.
Marino says the pay is too low and only the wealthy or self-employed can afford to hold the seats in the Legislature.
“Everyone knows that this salary has diminished every single year. Where we have seats come open and you have a single candidate apply and get elected without opposition.”
The Louisiana Legislature approved a legislative pay raise in 2008 but after public pressure, then Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed the bill. Marino says legislators are getting out of the law making business because of low pay
“It does not come with any type of retirement. So if serve three terms in twelve years, you put a pause on whatever job you had but then you come out of it in worst financial shape than when you started.”
Marino will not run for reelection. He has decided to spend more time with his family and practice in his field as a criminal defense attorney.
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