Celina R. Babauta
SENATOR Celina R. Babauta has announced that she will voluntarily reduce her salary “in solidarity with government employees” who are also facing pay cuts in the next fiscal year.
Currently, members of the Senate and House of Representatives earn $32,000 annually. In fiscal years 2023 and 2024, Babauta cut her salary by 10%, donating the $3,800 difference to Kagman High School.
This time, she said she is waiting for the administration’s proposed austerity measures so she can match the reduction percentage applied to executive branch employees. House Bill 24-46, which outlines the FY2026 budget, proposes $769,704 for the 20 House members’ salaries and $336,624 for the nine senators.
“I will once again reduce my salary in line with the austerity measures to be implemented in fiscal year 2026,” Babauta said, emphasizing that “leadership requires shared sacrifice.”
“This is not the first time I have taken this step, and it will not be the last. Ever since I took office, I have consistently reduced my salary whenever government employees faced reduced hours or pay. I firmly believe that leaders should never exempt themselves from the hardships endured by the very people they serve,” she added.
Babauta said her decision “is rooted in fairness and accountability.”
“Our government workers are the backbone of our public services. When they are asked to make sacrifices, leaders must also carry that burden. Anything less is hypocrisy,” she said.
She also confirmed that, as in the past, her salary reduction will directly support public school students.
“Education is the foundation and the future of any economy. Our students are the most important investment we can make for the Commonwealth. I will ensure that my reduction in pay directly benefits programs for Public School System students,” Babauta said.
“This voluntary adjustment reflects the realities faced by government employees and their families. We cannot claim to lead with integrity if we shelter ourselves from the same struggles our people endure. True leadership means standing with the people in both good times and hard times,” she added.
