|
2008 Statewide Ballot Measure
Support Proposition 300
Proposition 300 Legislators' Salary Increase Referred by
Salary Commission
What is the measure?
This referendum would increase the yearly salaries of
legislators from $24,000 to $30,000.
Background
The Commission on Salaries for Elective State Offices has
recommended unanimously that legislators' salaries be raised to $30,000. The
commission is bi-partisan, authorized by the state Constitution, and is charged
with recommending pay levels "appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of
the respective offices and positions subject to review." There has been no
change in legislators' pay for ten years.
Recommendations for a larger raise, to $36,000, were on the
ballot in 2002, 2004, and 2006 but did not pass. Legislative sessions frequently
last five to six months during which senators and representatives work long
hours. In addition, nearly every year the legislature is called back for special
sessions.
Impact
With 90 legislators, this would cost taxpayers $540,000 plus
associated payroll tax increases. It is also likely to open up the possibility
of choosing to serve in the legislature among people who cannot support their
families on the current $24,000 a year salary.
Those who support Proposition 300 include the following in their
arguments:
1. Concerns about the quality of legislators' work should not
cloud the reality that adequate compensation is a question of justice and
fairness, and citizens have a strong interest in having qualified people serving
in public office. An annual salary of only $24,000 is not nearly competitive
enough to attract the best and the brightest candidates. At the current salary,
the pool of citizens willing and able to serve is limited.
2. $24,000 per year is barely above the poverty level for a
family of four. This limits the pool of potential legislators to those with
personal wealth, those whose employers can tolerate such a long absence, or
those who may receive additional "work" from special interests that have
business pending before the legislature.
3. This pay raise will broaden the range of people that will be
able to run for legislative positions. We need citizen legislators who can be
paid enough in salary so they do not have to depend on special interests to supplement
their incomes.
4. Constituents expect their legislators to be available to them
at any time and keep up on developments in state public policy when the
legislature is not in session.
Those who oppose Proposition 300 include the following in their
arguments:
1. Serving in the Arizona Legislature is only a part time job
and it should be simple: Pass an annual budget and go home in less than 100
days.
2. Serving in the legislature should be a civic minded
contribution, not a career.
Supporters:
Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers
Arizona
Advocacy Network
Opponents: Powell
Gammill
Analysis courtesy of Arizona Advocacy Network
www.azanfoundation.org
Legislative Session 2009
For the next
legislative session starting January 2009. Double check agendas on
www.azleg.gov. Search for bill.
You can comment on any bill
if you sign-up at the kiosks at the State Capitol and then you can make
comments from home via internet at this address
http://alistrack.azleg.gov/rts/login.asp.
|