Missouri's House of Representatives gave a thumbs down to a pay raise for elected officials and legislators, some saying this is not the right time for such an increase.

Intro: Missouri's House of Representatives gave a thumbs down to a pay raise for elected officials and legislators, some saying this is not the right time for such an increase.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri House decided elected officials will not have a pay raise for at least four years.

The bill's sponsor says he wants a pay increase but now is not the time.

Democrat Edward Wildberger from St. Joseph says Missouri will get what is pays for.

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Description: "I'm gonna vote against this resolution. I think it's hogwash, I think we can afford to do this, we should do it and I think there's plenty of other things we could afford to do. Don't be scared into making the wrong decision here."

A representative from St. Louis county said this is the worst economic time in twenty-seven years and voted against the pay raise.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: Missouri's House decided not to give themselves a pay raise in difficult economic times.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

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Missouri's House decided there is no pay raise in sight for elected officials and legislators.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Mike McGhee who represents Western Missouri says elected officials will accept less money because it is a privilege to represent the state.

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Description: "If we give ourselves a pay raise or the judges a pay raise in these hard economic times, I think our people back home would disapprove it. I mean we're here to represent the people."

A legislator who supported the pay raise said it is a disadvantage to those like himself who don't have another job.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: Due to Missouri's House decision, elected officials and legislators will not have a pay raise for at least four years.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri House of Representatives voted against a pay raise for elected officials and legislators.

Before the official vote, things on the floor became heated between Democratic St. Louis County Representative Michael Corcoran who spoke first and Perryille Republican Representative Steven Tilley.

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Description: "Corcoran: If this body is using the loss of jobs and the economic climate that we find ourself in today to play hanky panky and do a little bit political grandstanding, then shame on you.
Tilley: Hey gentleman, this bill could have already been voted on, do you know why it hasn't been voted on?

Corcoran: Well, because I'm talking?"

Tilley thinks there will be a time for a pay raise, but the current economy cannot support one.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.