Idaho Legislators Seeking 43% Pay Hike. Register Disapproval Before 11/06/24 if You Object (posted 10/30/24)
We offer different points of view regarding a proposed 43% pay hike for Idaho legislators, which will pass in a citizens’ committee on 11/6/24 — unless rejected. With elections looming and people distracted, it seems we should apply the brakes on this one and explore good alternatives rather than approving a huge pay hike in a hurry.
Fred Birnbaum’s article, summarized below, presents the issues quite concisely and offers some reasonable alternatives.
ED NOTE
We haven’t studied this issue thoroughly, but offer information for you to form your own opinions and perhaps take action.A Reasonable Path Forward on Idaho Lawmaker Pay. By Fred Birnbaum | Idaho Freedom Foundation (10/28/24): idahofreedom.org/a-reas…
Fred Birnbaum writes:
Last week, top legislative leaders presented a plan to increase legislators’ pay by up to 43%. This increase would give Idaho the highest-paid part-time Legislature in America. Several legislators also circulated a survey to colleagues asking about the legislator pay and staff assistants. The article provides more background, but key points include:
How Legislative Compensation is Determined: A citizens’ committee recommends the compensation of Idaho’s legislators in a report to the Idaho Secretary of State and State Controller. The report goes into effect unless there is a resolution to reject the report. If rejected, there is no change to the status quo.
Initial Increase Proposal Failed Due to Tie Vote: Committee members will reconsider the proposal on November 6.
Birnbaum’s Recommendations: The committee should reject the increase. Instead, recommend an increase that keeps legislators’ pay in line with increases for constitutional officers, then do a more detailed review of pay and benefits. Also consider reassigning personnel from over-staffed departments to assist legislators (Idaho is currently among the least staffed legislatures among the western states).
Others Weigh In…
Which Way Idaho Legislature? (Zito for Idaho and Glenneda’s Substack, 10/31/24): zitoforidaho.substack.c…and glenneda.substack.com/p…
Follow Up On Legislator Pay. A lot of strong feelings on this one. By Brian Almon (10/28/24). Some detailed analysis and out of the box ideas including using AI to speed up the grunt work legislators have to do: gemstate.substack.com/p…
A 43% pay hike for politicians?? By Idaho Freedom Action (10/29/24): us11.campaign-archive.c…
Register Opposition to 43% Pay Hike before 11/06/24. Petition by Idaho Freedom Action (10/29/24): oneclickpolitics.global…
Is There a Future for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Idaho Government? By Rep. Heather Scott (10/26/24): repheatherscott.substac… | Substack Note: substack.com/profile/68…
