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May 27, 2005
Independent panel might study increase to lawmakers' salaries
Lawmakers are studying a plan for a new commission to determine legislative pay - which hasn't been increased in 20 years, in part because of a fear of voter retribution. A commission already studies the legislators' salaries, but that panel's recommendations must be approved by the Legislature. Under AB563, now in the Assembly Ways and Mean Committee, a new Commission to Review the Compensation of Legislators would consist of five members appointed by the governor. It would meet every other year to set salaries - and lawmakers wouldn't have to go on record as voting to increase their pay. "We believe that legislators are underpaid and a commission should be established, or utilized, to determine what's an appropriate and fair rate of pay," said Andrew List, executive director of the Nevada Association of Counties, which is part of a group of business and local government lobbyists backing the bill. Nevada legislators are now paid $130 a day for only the first half of their regular 120-day sessions. With the addition of other allowances and per diem, they can make up to about $26,600. The commission would factor in the number of hours lawmakers work, the opportunities they have to earn income from outside sources and the minimum salary necessary to attract "experienced and competent" politicians. It also would let the public weigh in on the issue. Ways and Means Chairman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, said the bill - a copy of a measure that died without a vote last session - would help recruit qualified people to run for office without "it becoming a financial burden." Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, D-Las Vegas, had one question: "Do they have the authority, God forbid, to lower our salaries?" she asked. "I don't think that would happen," said Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas. Another measure to give lawmakers a raise is working its way through the Legislature. SJR11 would amend the Nevada Constitution to mandate that legislators be paid for each day of work, instead of having to face the pay cutoff after 60 days; the halfway point of the four-month session. |
