State representatives are taking a voluntary pay cut to help with the state's budget problems.

The lawmakers said they have volunteered to have their salaries reduced the equivalent of five days' pay.

The cut coincides with a mandatory five-day furlough of House employees.

The House members could not be mandated to take a pay cut because their salaries are set by statue.

Local representatives said they willingly went along with the voluntary reduction that Rep. Bill Bowles estimated at about $1,200. "In my mind, you can't ask aides to take a furlough if you're unwilling to do it," said Bowles, D-Attleboro.

"It's a great idea. I think it's a good gesture. It shows we are willing to share the pain," Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, said.

Other representatives said they felt obliged to do their part at a time when state services were being slashed. The savings will be an estimated $600,000.

"This is the worst economic recession in over a generation. It's only fair that staff and members of the House share in the sacrifices that are necessary for us to get through this," said Rep. Steve D'Amico, D-Seekonk.

Although the pay cut is being called a furlough, the lawmakers said they will continue working their regular hours and not take time off to compensate.

"I can't take five days off. We're working all the time," said Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro.

Poirier said a legislator's work goes well beyond the short amount of time the House is in formal session taking votes.

She said there are committee meetings, public hearings, and, most of all, constituent problems to deal with all the time.

Gov. Deval Patrick has made extensive cuts to the budgets of departments in the executive branch, but lacks the authority to trim legislative spending.

House leaders said the furloughs were their way of contribution to the reductions. "We all have to tighten our belts," said Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield.