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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 30, 2014 10:14 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Robert F. Matzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Bonus Ban |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation prohibiting state agencies from issuing bonuses to employees under their jurisdiction. The ban is applicable to all branches of state government and it is being instituted to ensure fair and equal remuneration for all Commonwealth employees. Current Pennsylvania law does not prohibit state agencies from providing bonuses to employees. Whether an individual works under the direction of the Governor, a cabinet secretary, a statewide elected official, the legislature, or the judiciary, opportunities for bonuses exist. While I understand there is some merit in providing incentives to hardworking employees, I believe it is as equally important to ensure the public trust and to utilize taxpayer money in an open, transparent, and effective manner. Too often, outgoing administrators, either elected or appointed, have left office and rewarded loyal staff through bonuses that have not been included in a budget, or contract or a collective bargaining agreement. Subsequently, incoming officials are left with difficult budget decisions as a result of unforeseen expenditures. Furthermore, employees receiving a bonus are not on a level playing field with their peers who are in the same job classification which I believe can lead to morale issues. My legislation will put an end to unwarranted and unnecessary bonus payments. In a year where budget projects are estimating a $1 billion dollar shortfall, this measure can also be considered the first of many money-saving proposals. Please join me in sponsoring this very important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1626