LtE: Ballot Question 12
To the Editor:
Voters should vote YES on Ballot Question #12 (Reading precincts 1, 7, and 8 only) to reform the state legislative leadership’s $5.4 million stipend scheme. Legislative leaders use this extra pay to pressure legislators into supporting leadership priorities over constituent interests.
Stipend reform would increase transparency and accountability by ensuring extra pay only rewards extra work, not political loyalty. And by requiring that work be performed openly and democratically.
The legislature is autocratic and dysfunctional because of the current loyalty pay scheme. For example, it refuses to allow an audit, despite 72% of voters supporting one.
Vote YES on Question #12 (the last question on your ballot) for a more accountable and transparent legislature. (Reading precincts 1, 7, and 8 only)
John Lippitt