IPNEWS: Plenary of the House of Representatives has requested its joint committees on Ways and Means, Labor and Rules, Orders and Administration, to review the pay grade of Legislative Staffers.
A statement issued by the House Press Bureau recently said Plenary reached the decision following a communication from Maryland County District #2 Representative, Anthony F. Williams.
“Rep. Speaker and distinguished Colleagues, following my certification and subsequent induction by this honorable body, I received a package from the Chief Clerk’s office containing the House’s Rules and Procedures, LACC Assets Declaration form, and a breakdown of staffers’ salaries and coupons,” Rep. Williams alerted.
He said immediately upon receipt of the aforementioned document, keen interest was placed on the pay grade of staffers considering their income tax deduction and considerably matching their net pay to the prevailing economic living conditions of today, coupled with other challenges.
According to him, the pay grade seems disturbing most especially for staffers who dedicate exclusively all of their time to work, unlike other government Ministries and Agencies that are involved in programs and activities with extra benefits to complement their salary.
“Honorable Speaker and distinguished Colleagues, with the above condition, I write to request the indulgence of this honorable body for increment of salary and benefits for our staff because these people are our direct representatives in our various Districts and taking all of the intellectual bullets, verbal/physical attacks, security and other forms of intimidations as well as making meaningful contributions on our behalf at times”, he added.
Recently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa instructed the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration to conduct an Employee Payroll Audit of all individuals working with the House of Representatives.
According to Speaker Koffa, the objective of the audit is to identify and rectify any discrepancies in the payroll, particularly to eliminate ghost employees from the House’s payroll system.
He said the audit is set to ensure that the financial resources allocated to the House are utilized judiciously and in accordance with established procedures.
The Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration will lead the audit process, carefully reviewing the payroll records of all employees at the House of Representatives and report to plenary within a month.
Koffa noted that the importance of this initiative is in maintaining the integrity of the House and ensuring that public funds are utilized responsibly.
He said he is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and accountability within the House.
“This audit is a proactive step to address any potential irregularities and to streamline our payroll system. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of trust and responsibility in the service of the public,” said Speaker Koffa.
The audit is expected to be thorough and comprehensive, involving examination of employee records and cross-referencing them with attendance and other relevant documentation.
The goal is to identify any discrepancies, including instances of ghost employees or unauthorized payments.
The Speaker has urged full cooperation from all House employees during the audit process, assuring them that the exercise is aimed at improving the overall efficiency and accountability of the House’s operations.
