A Nebraska state senator says lawmakers need to be paid more because everyday people are being discouraged from serving in the Unicameral.
Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha said Tuesday that he wants to
boost lawmaker salaries from $12,000 to $32,000 a year.
He says the state Legislature is becoming a collection of
retirees, the wealthy and those who own their own businesses.
There are many young, competent people who could run for office,
Lautenbaugh says, but it is difficult to serve the public and hold
a full-time job.
Nebraska's legislative compensation has not been adjusted for 24
years. By law, any salary change would have to be approved by
voters.
Lautenbaugh says there is never a good time to ask taxpayers for
more money, but lawmaker raises are long overdue.
