A right decision on raises

Muskogee (Okla.) Phoenix: Our state legislators haven’t received a pay increase since 1998.

Just recently, a state panel voted unanimously to keep legislators’ pay frozen for another year.

The Legislative Compensation Board voted to make no changes to the salary and benefit packages of House and Senate members.

Oklahoma lawmakers will continue to receive $38,400 per year — 16th best in the nation.

Here is an interesting statistic: In 2010, 1 in 6 Oklahomans were living on incomes below the poverty level, according to U.S. Census data.

It’s probably wise that the panel voted against giving lawmakers a raise when so much heavy lifting remains to be done in the state.

We realize most legislators are hardworking and dedicated. We also know that many of their constituents are suffering in this bad economy.

It is just unwise to accept a raise when the people you serve are hurting.