January 9, 2009 — Press Release

BOSTON, MA - Rep. Jennifer Benson, 37th Middlesex, has decided to donate her 5.5% pay raise to local charities throughout the district. On January 8th, Governor Deval Patrick announced that the base pay of legislators would increase $3,203 to $61,440. The raise came as part of a Constitutional amendment approved a decade ago which disconnected the legislative pay decisions and the political process.

Recognizing the difficult fiscal situation across the state, Rep. Benson decided to donate her raise to charities in the district. "Our Nation is going through a very difficult time and there are those who need help," said Benson. "This is why I've decided to support charitable organizations which serve our communities. These organizations are struggling as well, even though their services are needed now more than ever."