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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
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