Politics & Government

NK's Craven Declines Legislative Pay Raise

"Given the economic status of our state and everyday struggles felt by Rhode Islanders, I feel that accepting any increase in compensation would be inappropriate," Craven said.

Add North Kingstown's Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. to the list of legislators declining a pay raise this year.

Craven, who was first elected to represent District 32 in 2012, declined the 1.5 percent pay raise and in a letter to the Joint Committee on Legislative Services, said he felt accepting the raise would be inappropriate.

"Given the economic status of our state and everyday struggles felt by Rhode Islanders, I feel that accepting any increase in compensation would be inappropriate," Craven said.

Though he said he's proud of the progress made at the State House in the most-recent term, including passing the master level bill, eliminating the estate tax fiscal cliff and providing $6 million in federal funding to local businesses in Quonset, Craven said "there remains much more to be done to continue improving Rhode Island."

"As such," he said, "I must respectfully decline any pay increase."

Craven is chairman of the House Municipal Government Committee and serves on the House Judiciary and Small Business Committees.

Craven lives in Saunderstown with his wife, Susan, and is a lawyer at Robert E. Craven and Associates in North Kingstown.

He is also assistant solicitor and probate judge in Charlestown as well as assistant solicitor in East Providence.


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