The new speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives has taken campaign contributions from defense contractors, banks, police unions, and the alcohol industry, according to state records.
Ron Mariano (D-Quincy), 74, has served in the House since 1991. He recently took the place of former speaker Robert DeLeo, under whom he served as majority leader.
Members of the Massachusetts legislature can get a pay raise — if they want one.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker wrote in a letter to State Treasurer Deb Goldberg last week that a 6.46 percent pay raise for legislatures is warranted, based on economic standards set in state law.
