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Rhode Island House of Representatives Republican Caucus

Rep. Chippendale seeks halt to legislator COLAs

1/28/2013

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STATE HOUSE - Rep. Michael Chippendale (R-Dist. 40, Coventry, Foster, Glocester) has submitted legislation that would halt payment of Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLAs) to state legislators unless adjustments also were being paid to retired state workers.
​The legislation would also require that state legislator’s COLAs be no higher than those of retired state workers.

“In 2011 the General Assembly passed sweeping legislation that reformed our state’s pension system, and part of those changes included a suspension of COLAs for retired state workers.

“In the spirit of fairness, I believe all legislators should embrace the same level of integrity by declining annual COLAs until such time that the pension system is stabilized and COLAs are once again provided to retirees,” Representative Chippendale said.

Chippendale, a Republican, has refused any increase in his legislative compensation since taking office in 2010.

Cost of Living Adjustments for legislators are provided for in the Rhode Island State Constitution and cannot be simply “legislated away.” Representative Chippendale has submitted legislation (2013-H5089) with bi-partisan support that would allow a vote on legislative COLAs by voters on the 2014 ballot. If passed, legislative COLAs could be provided only if such cost adjustments are paid to state retirees generally.

State Legislators will typically $14,639 in 2013-1024, and COLA elimination for all legislators would save some $50,000 annually.

“This isn’t going to save the state a material amount of money, but that isn’t why I’m doing this. It is an expression of fairness to the retirees in RI, and also to demonstrate that the legislature receives no preference in sharing the burden of stabilizing our pension system," he said.

-30-​

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For more information, contact:
Chuck Newton, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259

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About rhode island house republicans


​In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2025 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 Providence, RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
  • Home
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    • Minority Report >
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  • Representatives
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • David J. Place
    • Richard R. Fascia
    • Marie A. Hopkins
    • George A. Nardone
    • Brian C. Newberry
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    • Paul M. Santucci
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