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House rejects bill to raise legislative daily pay after amendment debate
Summary
Senate Bill 64, proposing a raise in legislative pay from $65 to $100 per day, failed in the House 16–52 after members debated volunteerism, public perception and an amendment delaying effectiveness until after the next election.
Senate Bill 64, proposing to raise legislators' daily pay from $65 to $100, was handled on the House floor with proponents arguing the increase reflects the time demands of legislative service and opponents invoking volunteerism and public perception concerns. Representative Wharton introduced the bill and noted endorsements from groups like Common Cause.
A substantive floor amendment was proposed by Representative Glenn Brown to delay the effective date from July 1991 to January 1993 so legislators would stand for election before receiving the increase. The amendment passed on the floor. Speakers divided: Representative LeBaron and others expressed discomfort with members setting their own pay; Representative Glenn Brown and others argued the increase addresses financial hardship and helps recruit a broader set of candidates.
After the amendment and extended debate, the House voted and the clerk reported the bill "having received 16 affirmative votes, 52 negative votes," and the bill failed and was returned to the Senate.
