Kansas lawmakers grant themselves a 93% pay raise, bypassing voting process
OAN’s James Meyers
2:18 PM – Thursday, February 8, 2024
Kansas lawmakers have decided to give themselves an almost 100% pay raise without even voting on it.
A bipartisan proposal took effect Wednesday that gave Kansas state lawmakers a 93% pay raise, which makes their compensation higher than states such as Georgia and Texas.
Instead of a vote, last year the lawmakers established a bipartisan pay commission, which recommended rank-and-file lawmakers, who have a $30,000 base compensation receive an increase of $28,000 starting in January of 2025, according to The Associated Press.
Additionally, higher-up lawmakers such as the Senate and House president would receive an increase from $44,000 annual salary to $85,000.
According to the Kansas Reflector, the Legislative Compensation Commission which is run by eight former state lawmakers, unanimously approved the pay raises for 165 Kansas Legislators.
Chairman of the commission Mark Hutton, said the new pay hike will help in recruitment and stop lawmakers from becoming lawmaking professionals.
“To be clear, I did not approach this responsibility with the intention of arriving at a political solution. While the commission reviewed the current compensation, we had little discussion about the size of the increase, choosing to reflect on what it should be,” Hutton told the Senate budget committee.
Meanwhile, Kansas legislators have been critical of the pay compensation for several years, claiming it isn’t enough to live on year-round. Supporters of the pay increase also say it will make the Legislature more diverse and stop people from becoming retirees and wealthy people.
The new pay increase, nearly $58,000, includes both a salary and daily, in-session payments to cover expenses such as meals and housing.
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In light of the economic hardships faced by many citizens, how does granting a significant pay raise to lawmakers reflect the realities of everyday people and their financial struggles
Due to the low salary.
The decision to grant this substantial pay raise without a vote has raised concerns among citizens. Many argue that such a significant increase should be subject to public scrutiny and discussion. Critics question whether the bipartisan pay commission has the authority to make this decision without input from the general public or a vote from the lawmakers themselves.
Furthermore, the timing of this pay raise has also been called into question. At a time when many Kansans are struggling financially and facing economic hardships, granting such a substantial increase to lawmakers seems out of touch with the realities of everyday citizens.
Proponents of the pay raise argue that it is necessary to attract and retain quality legislators. They argue that the current low salary discourages talented individuals from pursuing a career in public service, resulting in a less diverse and experienced legislature. They believe that increasing the compensation will incentivize more qualified candidates to run for office and dedicate themselves to serving the public.
However, critics of the pay raise argue that public service should not be about financial gain. They believe that lawmakers should be motivated by their commitment to the public and their desire to make a positive impact, rather than their personal financial interests.
The decision to grant this pay raise without a vote also raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Without a clear public record of who voted for or against this increase, it becomes difficult for citizens to hold their lawmakers accountable for their decisions. This lack of transparency undermines the democratic process and erodes trust in the political system.
Moving forward, it is crucial that lawmakers address these concerns and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the public. Open discussions about compensation, as well as the decision-making process, will restore confidence in the legislature and ensure that decisions reflect the best interests of the people they serve.
In conclusion, the decision to grant Kansas lawmakers a significant pay raise without even voting on it has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the decision lacked transparency and public input, while proponents believe it is necessary to attract and retain quality legislators. Moving forward, it is important for lawmakers to address these concerns and engage in a transparent and accountable decision-making process.
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