State Legislator Pay Highest in Nation

The Los Angeles Times has reported that a survey by the California Citizens Compensation Commission responsible for setting the pay of California legislators has found that California’s legislators are the highest paid in the nation. Even with the pay cut imposed last year, California’s lawmaker salary of $ 95,291 a year leads the nation.

Comparisons show lawmakers in Michigan are paid $ 79,650 a year, New York $ 79,500 and Pennsylvania $ 78,315.

The Commission will meet in April to consider cutting the pay of California’s legislators to $ 85,672 a year. The Commission Chairman says what is driving such cuts is the fact that California is broke.   This cut, coupled with last year’s cut, would mean that legislators’ pay has been cut about 28% over two years.

The article states several unions are urging that no more cuts be imposed, saying that it could discourage otherwise qualified people from serving in the legislature. It also reports that even with the cut being considered in April California’s legislators would still be the highest paid in the nation.

One might also ask if further cuts in pay would help stop the game of musical chairs that term limits have brought to our legislature as well as some local elected offices such as County Supervisor. Maybe some who view elected office as a career, moving from position to position to escape being outed by term limits, would have to go find a real job like the rest of us.

About Over But Not Out

A retired Orange County employee, and moderate Republican. The editor seriously does not know OBNO's identity as did not the former editor, but his point of view is obviously interesting and valued.