Rhode Island ranks as the highest-spending state in the nation in terms of fire protection, according to the most recent Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council report on the state’s expenditures. In. The. Nation.
Then it makes perfect sense that the House of Representatives just passed legislation that will increase how much municipalities must pay firefighters.
The issue is overtime pay, which based on federal guidelines requires overtime for firefighters to be paid if they work more than 53 hours in a workweek, as opposed to the standard 40 hours per week.
The reason for this exemption is a recognition that firefighters do not work anything approaching a normal week. But in return, they earn not only healthy salaries but generous post-employment benefits.
The legislation calls for overtime pay to be awarded for any hours worked beyond 42 hours per week, in effect a 21% increase in the standard workweek, although with the time-and-a-half that comes with overtime pay, the increase could amount to a roughly 31% increase in pay.
The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns is rightly outraged by this legislation. And with strictly party-line votes, it seems likely that the legislation’s backers would be able to override a gubernatorial veto.
Firefighters are an important and appreciated part of every community. But so are its taxpayers, already burdened by among the highest property tax levies in the nation. Something has got to give here if there is any chance for the state to make itself a more affordable place to live and do business.