New Massachusetts Governor Healey Takes Huge Pay Raise

New year, new pay raises for lawmakers and constitutional officers on Beacon Hill.

Even before she slid into the comfy leather seat being vacated by Republican Charlie Baker, new Massachusetts Governor Democrat Maura Healey got a hefty pay raise.

So did members of the Massachusetts Legislature and other statewide constitutional officers.

State House News Service (SHNS) reported that state representatives and senators are "set to receive their fourth pay raise since 2017, this one worth more than four percent."

"In a letter sent Thursday to Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, Gov. Charlie Baker said that median household income had risen by 4.42 percent over the two years since the last adjustment to lawmaker pay," SHNS reported.

"Adjustments to legislative base pay are required biennially under the state Constitution, based on changes in the median household income statewide."

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A 4.42 percent increase bumps the base pay for lawmakers from $70,536 to about $73,654. They also receive compensation for committee assignments and stipends.

SHNS reported House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka each made $178,473 in 2022 in total compensation, including stipends. Mariano and Spilka will each earn $214,000 in 2023-2024.

New Governor Maura Healey is expected to make 20.1 percent, or $37,185, more than Charlie Baker's $185,000 salary for 2022.

"In addition to the $222,185 salary, Healey is set to receive the governor's standard $65,000 housing allowance for a total compensation of $287185 in 2023," SHSN reported.

New Massachusetts Lt. Governor Democrat Kim Driscoll will earn 20.1 percent more than her predecessor Karyn Polito who was paid $165,000. Driscoll will receive $198,165 for 2023.

All elected officials have the option to decline the pay raise. So far, none have.

Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand told SHNS Healey and Driscoll will both "accept the salary that has been established by stature."