PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The number of state lawmakers declining their latest automatic raise is up to 15, out of a total of 113.
As of Friday afternoon, five House members had said no to the 2.1 percent increase: Michael Chippendale, R-Foster; Doreen Costa, R-North Kingstown; Robert Craven, D-North Kingstown; Raymond Hull, D-Providence; and Patrick O'Neill, D-Pawtucket.
And 10 senators had said no: Dennis Algiere, R-Westerly; David Bates, R-Barrington; Marc Cote, D-Woonsocket; Paul Fogarty, D-Burrillville; Dawson Hodgson, R-North Kingstown; Nicholas Kettle, R-Coventry; Edward O'Neill, I-Lincoln; Christopher Ottiano, R-Portsmouth; Adam Satchell, D-West Warwick; and James Sheehan, D-North Kingstown.
The latest increase brings their pay to $14,947, though the House speaker and Senate president receive double that amount. Last year's pay was $14,640.