HARRISBURG – Adhering to her commitment of fiscal responsibility, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) returned her automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the state Treasury for the fifth time.
“I’m returning the automatic COLA to the Treasury again because I cannot oppose spending hikes in state government while padding my own pocket,” Phillips-Hill said. “This is a continuation of my commitment to act in the best interest of taxpayers.”
A 1995 law provides an annual COLA, tied to inflation, that adjusts salaries for all legislators, judges, and executive officials, including the governor.
Since taking office, Phillips-Hill has advocated for reforms to the status quo. In 2021, she joined forces with Sen. Lindsey William (D-Allegheny) in a bipartisan initiative to require Senate offices to post their expenses online, instead of requiring citizens to file Right-to-Know requests to see how their tax dollars are spent by state senators. The Senate now maintains a centralized database of expenditures by each member. Phillips-Hill also posts her expenses each month on her website.
In addition, Phillips-Hill does not participate in the state pension program and does not take the health insurance benefits afforded to state legislators. She drives her own vehicle and does not submit for taxpayer-funded mileage reimbursement to drive to and from events in her district, or the state Capitol.
“The taxpayers of southern York County place a high value on fiscal stewardship and responsibility,” Phillips-Hill said. “As their senator, I will not only vote in a manner that reflects our community but also apply those principles to myself.”