Idaho Senate adopts resolution to reject recommended legislative pay increase

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate on Jan. 17 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 101, a measure rejecting the rates for legislative compensation recommended by the Citizens Committee on Legislative Compensation and directing transmission of the resolution to the Idaho House of Representatives.

The resolution was moved for adoption by Senator Zito and, after debate, was approved by voice vote. "This is a beautiful system of check and balance that our republic was founded on and has thrived on for over 240 years," Senator Zito said in opening remarks, citing Idaho Constitution, Article III, Section 23 and arguing the committee, not the legislature, has authority to set compensation rates.

The resolution matters because the committee’s recommendation would raise annual legislative pay from $19,913 to $25,000, a roughly 22% increase described in debate as an additional $5,087 per legislator over the two‑year period. Opponents and supporters framed the vote as either a necessary check on a pay recommendation made outside the legislature or as a politically sensitive response to constituents struggling with inflation.

Senator Hart opposed the resolution, saying the committee’s report "has the force and effect of law" and noting the increase equates to about $5,087 and that the new annual rate of $25,000 took effect Dec. 1. "What we're really voting on today is a pay cut," Hart said, arguing the legislature's staffing and oversight capacity depend in part on compensation levels.

Senator Cole said she cosponsored the resolution because it "aligns with the principle of putting our people first," and said the Senate should prioritize delivering relief to Idaho residents facing higher costs. Senator Lenny, who also supported the resolution, said the raise amounts to roughly $300 a month after taxes and called the issue small compared with other policy priorities.

During debate, senators referenced the history and purpose of the Citizens Committee on Legislative Compensation, added to the state constitution by voters in 1976, and discussed the scale of the cost: one speaker stated the total annual fiscal impact at approximately $534,000 and framed that figure relative to the state budget.

After debate closed, the Senate approved the resolution by voice vote. Senate Journal entries show the adopted concurrent resolution will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.

The session also included routine committee reports and bill referrals but no further debate tied directly to the compensation question.