Proposition 300 –State Legislators’ Salaries
Proposition 300 –State Legislators’ Salaries would raise salaries for state legislators from the current $24,000 to $30,000.
There are two arguments in favor of the increase, one of which is from the Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers stating its support is based on the “Commission’s comprehensive assessment of available data, including analysis of compensation paid to legislators in other states.”
The Commission claims a legislative salary increase makes running for office more viable for more Arizonans, stating the current salary level limits the pool of citizens able to serve in the legislature.
The Arizona Advocacy Network favors the increase as part of its platform to “promote social, economic, racial and environmental justice by leading efforts for electoral justice and increased civic participation in government.”
There is one argument against the increase submitted by Powell Gammill, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Representative, District 2, Phoenix.
Gammill states, “The role of the legislature is quite simple: Pass an annual budget and GO HOME. It is a part-time legislature that is supposed to meet less than 100 days per year. Being elected is a civic-minded contribution, not a career. Being a legislator is not a title of nobility bestowed upon those whom get elected.
“The only thing legislators can’t seem to do in a timely manner is pass a budget.
“I certainly would not pay legislators more for a job they currently cannot seem to do as more of your tax money would simply encourage prolonging the budget process further.”