The National Congress agreed to abolish the practice of funding non-governmental organizations created by legislators in the 2007 budget. But, as reported in El Dia newspaper, this was replaced by monthly “incentives” that amount to RD$218 million a year, approximately RD$18 million a month from taxpayer money. The Dominican Republic’s 32 senators receive a basic salary of RD$120,000, operate from fully equipped offices at the Congress and another in their provinces, and receive RD$5,000 per each session (usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), or approximately RD$60,000 in four-week months. The senators receive an additional RD$400,000, plus one peso per voter in their province or district. For instance, Cristina Lizardo (PLD-Santo Domingo) receives RD$1,432,026 a month in incentives, because her province has 1,032,026 voters. Meanwhile, the senator for Pedernales receives an incentive of RD$16,809 a month, in addition to his RD$400,000 plus RD$120,000 wage, as well as other benefits. As reported in El Dia, Senate leader Reinado Pared Perez receives RD$732,078 in incentives, in addition to his wage and benefits.<\/p>\n
These incentives are in the news after recently elected Central Electoral Board judge Aura Celeste Fernandez disputed their legality.<\/p>\n
In the DR, the government now has become one of the most, if not the best paying employer in the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The National Congress agreed to abolish the practice of funding non-governmental organizations created by legislators in the 2007 budget. But, as reported in El Dia newspaper, this was replaced by monthly “incentives” that amount to RD$218 million a year, approximately RD$18 million a month from taxpayer money. The Dominican Republic’s 32 senators receive a basic … <\/p>\n