January 8, 2009 Mass. Legislature in line to receive pay hike Play video

(NECN: Alison King, Boston, Mass.) - Massachusetts legislators are facing a tough decision today. Lawmakers must choose whether to accept a 5.5% pay hike, as other state workers are facing budget cuts.

The legislature approved the raise yesterday.

Under state law, the figure rises or falls based on the median household income at the start of each legislative session.

Senate President Therese Murray says lawmakers can decide whether or not to accept the raise.

The most recent hike, prior to today, came when former Gov. Mitt Romney gave representatives and senators a 4.8 percent annual pay raise for 2007 and 2008. That $2,667.33 hike increased the base pay of $55,569.41 to $58,236.74.