With all this economic turmoil guess what Alaska is suggesting

[Winterblues]

They want to double the wages of State Legislators and a Republican is trying to put a stop to it. That is hard to believe but appears to be the case. Here is a news blip from Juneau Radio KINY
Measure seeks to short circuit pay raises for lawmakers and top state officials
A bill has been introduced in the State Senate that would rebuff the recommendations of the Alaska State Officers Compensation Commission which calls for increasing the salaries of lawmakers and top state officials.

Anchorage Senator Con Bunde, a member of the Republican minority, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 106.

The wages for lawmakers would increase from $24,000 to $50,400. Long term per diem for lawmakers would end.

The salary for commissioners would be set at $135,000.

The commission recommends keeping the Governor's salary at $125,000 and the Lieutenant Governor's at $100,000.

Senate President Gary Stevens told reporters Tuesday that if the recommendations are not disapproved through legislation and signed by the Governor by March 30, the pay hikes will take effect automatically.

Bunde's bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce, Judiciary and Finance Committees.

Meanwhile, former State Senator Rick Halford, who chaired the salary commission, will make a presentation to the entire Senate on the recommendations today. (Wednesday)

[Winterblues]

1. Why should Commissioners receive more than their Boss the Governor?

This doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

[katanalori]

2. Here is why:

If you had Palin as your boss, you would deserve double pay too! The Legislators in AK are under fire nearly 24/7 trying to deal with and cover for an incompetent nitwit (their Governor). Until she is impeached, their jobs are utter Hell. The Legislators cannot even keep up with the public outcry and the constant charges rightfully leveled at Palin. Their salaries should be tripled.

[gcomeau]

3. Not to get in the way of a good outraged rant...

he wages for lawmakers would increase from $24,000 to $50,400.

...but for fuck's sake, lawmakers in Alaska only make $24,000? Seriously? That's like "Manager at McDonald's" territory.

If that's true then hell yes, they SHOULD get a damn pay raise. If you want to get pissed about inappropriate salaries rant about the average pay of an NBA player or something. I personally WANT there to be more incentive for quality personnel to be attracted to public office. If we keep treating our legislators like they're roughly as valuable as our janitors we have no right to complain about the quality of the people we end up getting into the office.

[Qutzupalotl]

4. And cost of living is higher in Alaska than most of the rest of the country. n/t

[RB TexLa]

5. You'd have to be a very poor manager of a McDonald's to make $24K

It's more like they are bumping them up to lower to mid McDonald's territory.

[marksmithfield]

6. Absolutely right

That is well said.

[Winterblues]

7. They are only in session 90 days a year.

How much should people get for ninety days work? Do you feel eight thousand a month is insufficient?

[gcomeau]

8. And of course when they're not in session they're not working, right?

Kind of like teachers only work during school hours?

[Winterblues]

9. Most all Legislators have other professions as well

Most are Lawyers or business people. It isn't quite the same as teachers although many teachers in Alaska are also Commercial Fishermen as well.

[gcomeau]

10. Whichh is another way of saying...

...that most all legislators work a second job.

Of course they do. They barely make a living wage as only legislators, I'd be shocked if they weren't supplementing their income with another job.