Deval gives $175,000 job
to pal

(myfoxboston) - A state authority has offered longtime Democratic state Sen. Marian Walsh a $175,000-year-job that had gone unfilled for years.

The decision by the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities to fill the post of assistant executive director with a veteran Democratic lawmaker during a fiscal crisis drew fire from Republican critics.

Base pay for legislators is just over $61,000, with those in leadership positions earning more. Walsh was the Senate majority whip.

The West Roxbury Democrat says she’s excited to join the agency and thanked her constituents for their support.

The agency says Walsh’s hiring is part of an initiative to reach out to the Massachusetts Development Financing Agency and identify cost savings and efficiencies.

Statement from Joseph Landolfi, Communications Director, Govenor Patrick's Office:

Marian Walsh is a highly-qualified candidate for this position and we look forward to working with her and others at HEFA in the future.