Kansas lawmakers increased their pay by 93% without voting
A Bold Move: Kansas Lawmakers’ Pay Soars Above Other States
A groundbreaking decision has been made in Kansas, as lawmakers’ pay skyrocketed by a staggering 93% without even a vote. This move now places their compensation higher than that of more populous states like Texas and Georgia.
Instead of a traditional vote, legislators established a bipartisan pay commission last year. This commission, comprised of eight former state lawmakers, unanimously recommended a significant increase in compensation for rank-and-file lawmakers. Starting in January 2025, these lawmakers, who currently receive a base compensation of $30,000, will see their pay boosted by nearly $28,000. This whopping 93% increase will bring their annual salary to nearly $58,000. Even higher-up legislative leaders, such as the House speaker and Senate president, will experience a substantial jump from their $44,000 salary to $85,000.
The decision to implement these pay raises was met with support from the Legislative Compensation Commission. Chairman Mark Hutton, a former Republican House member, defended the salary hikes, emphasizing their potential to attract new talent and prevent lawmakers from becoming mere political 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.
For years, state legislators have voiced their dissatisfaction with their annual compensation, claiming it was insufficient to support their livelihoods. They also argued that their duties prevented them from maintaining outside jobs. Supporters of the pay increase believe it will attract a more diverse range of lawmakers who are not already wealthy or retired.
“You might get a few more females. You might get a few more minorities. You might get a few more younger people,”
said state Sen. Cindy Holscher (D).
However, not everyone is pleased with the salary increases. Some Republicans expressed concerns that the increase was merely a political stunt. Nick Reinecker, a central Kansas restaurant owner and former U.S. House candidate, urged the Senate Ways and Means Committee to reject the pay raises, arguing that being a legislator should be a passion, not a job.
Republican Rep. Ken Corbet from Topeka also voiced his opposition, suggesting that the decision to establish pay should be made by the taxpayers, not the legislators themselves.
It is worth noting that other state lawmakers have recently received salary increases. New Jersey and Alaska saw a 67% increase, while New York legislators received a 29% raise at the beginning of 2023. Prior to this decision, Kansas legislators had not received a pay increase since 1948, and in 1962, voters granted the authority to establish their salaries through state law.
How does the current compensation for lawmakers in Kansas fail to reflect the level of responsibility and dedication required in public service?
Zing the importance of attracting and retaining talented individuals in public service. Hutton argued that the current compensation fails to reflect the level of responsibility and dedication required of lawmakers. He believes that this increase will incentivize skilled individuals to pursue a career in politics and contribute to effective governance in Kansas.
Opponents of the pay raise argue that such a significant increase is unjustifiable, especially in a time when many Kansans are still feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s economy has taken a hit, with businesses closing and unemployment rates soaring. Critics argue that lawmakers should prioritize addressing these pressing issues instead of awarding themselves massive pay increases.
However, supporters of the pay raise highlight the importance of fair compensation for public servants. They argue that Kansas lawmakers have long been underpaid compared to their counterparts in other states. The previous compensation level was significantly below the national average, discouraging talented individuals from seeking a career in public service. By addressing this pay disparity, supporters believe that Kansas can attract highly qualified individuals who can make a difference in the state’s governance.
It is worth noting that the pay raise will not take effect until January 2025, giving lawmakers ample time to address the immediate needs of Kansans. Critics argue that these funds could be better allocated to policies that directly impact the lives of the state’s residents, such as education, public health, or infrastructure.
Ultimately, the decision to increase lawmakers’ pay in Kansas demonstrates a bold move that sparks vigorous debate. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure the state has the benefit of talented and dedicated individuals governing and making crucial decisions. Opponents assert that this move is ill-timed and does not prioritize the pressing needs of Kansans.
The long-term impacts of this decision remain uncertain. It is yet to be determined whether the pay raise will indeed attract highly qualified individuals to state politics or whether it will be seen as a controversial move by the public. As time goes on and the effects of this decision become evident, the people of Kansas will be able to judge whether this was indeed a bold move or an ill-advised decision.
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