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HB 1789, if passed, would modify the Local Government Code
(Section 141.032) regarding longevity pay. Namely, the bill would state that
longevity pay for fire fighters and police officers in municipalities should
receive at least $4 additional per month and for an indefinite period (as opposed to the
25 years currently in code).
It is not the responsibility of
the state to dictate compensation terms to municipalities. But because many related regulations are already in place, we sympathize with the practical intent of this bill, which is to attract and retain talent at the local level.
However, we find this proposal to be
an unjustified extension of state power. Such a blanket
policy does not take local conditions into consideration and erodes the
legitimacy of local government. The proposed change is also a mandated drain on
taxpayer money.
Due to the aforementioned conflicts in regard to our liberty principles, we remain neutral on HB 1789.