Editorial: Legislators deserve an increase in pay

Thursday, May 8, 2003 | 8:47 a.m.

Members of Nevada's Senate and Assembly are paid a salary of $7,800 for their service during the 120-day legislative session that takes place every odd year, an amount that hasn't been increased since 1985. Additionally, they receive $85 every day of the session for expenses, which amounts to $10,200. With their combined salary and expense checks, they gross $18,000 for the session. Additionally, legislators living more than 50 miles from Carson City receive an extra $2,024 for the four-month session as a housing allowance. Legislators also receive $60 a session for stamps and they are reimbursed for authorized travel.

We support a boost in compensation for legislators, who make innumerable personal and financial sacrifices during the sessions. Many of them must give up the pay and benefits of their regular jobs for the duration of the session. And most have to maintain two homes, an expense that is by no means offset by the housing allowance.

We do not, however, support Assembly Bill 464, which would establish a governor-appointed commission to review legislative compensation and make a recommendation. It's main purpose would be to draw the political heat generated by discussion of pay raises away from the legislators. In our view, the legislators have a good case for pay increases but they should make it themselves -- no hiding behind a panel that does not answer to the voters.