Senators Agree To Cut Salary By 31 percent

Members of the Liberian Senate have agreed to reduce their salaries and benefits between 25 to 31 percent based on the advise of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Margibi County’s Senator, Oscar Cooper made the disclosure yesterday (Monday), September 30, in Monrovia. He said they (Senators) have resolved to monthly salaries slashed as a means of reducing government’s wage bill.

He indicated that from now on senators’ take home salary will be little over US$6,000.00 (Six Thousand United States Dollars) affecting salaries and benefits like phone (scratch) cards, gas slips among other things.

Cooper, an Independent Senator, said as it stands, government’s annual wage bill is US$297 million something the Fund described as “huge” for the growth of the country’s economy which is still struggling to recover from recession.

“Every one of us has to make the sacrifice in the interest of our country and people and as well save it from collapse. Once the executive has taken the lead we (senators) as the first branch have to do the same,” the Senator noted.

Last week, Montserrado County’s Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon, revealed that his expected wage is US$15, 325 as gross salary with addition of Liberian Dollar  29,700.00.

He said the basic salary and if tax reduction is carried out, he expected to receive about US$12,000.00 in addition to the basic salary. Dillon’s statement was based on the package released to him by Liberian Senate through Chairman on Ways, Means and finance had informed him.

Though, it is not yet independently confirmed but reports have it that, members of the Lower House are in accord with the Upper House. This was followed by their joint session on Sunday, September 29, held at the national legislature in Monrovia.