Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York state recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time.
“They (voters) may not be impressed with the fact that lawmakers boosted their own salaries. On the other hand, this may be the last time that lawmakers can find a sympathetic ear in the Governor’s Mansion for this issue,” Alford says.
The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years. With committee chairmanships, they can make up to $37-thousand. In 2008, a bill advanced that would have set a new base at $37-k. Alford says that proved to be unpopular with the public…
“The voters ended up pushing back. Governor Jindal changed his mind, went back on his word and he vetoed that legislation.”
The state is projected to have a big revenue surplus for the fiscal year that starts in July, so House & Senate members may look to push it through. Alford says, however, many lawmakers may feel they cannot support a pay raise for themselves with elections coming this fall. He says there is a way to do it and not seem self-serving…
“…if they approve a pay raise for a FUTURE legislature. Let’s say for the term that starts in 2028.”
Alford says it may be a long time before there is another governor who would support a legislative pay raise. As a state representative, John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office.
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