Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pay raise for lawmakers could be revisited in 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are planning to revisit a proposed legislative salary increase that was overwhelmingly rejected by voters.

Omaha Senator Scott Lautenbaugh says he will raise the issue again, although he hasn't yet developed a specific proposal. Nebraska voters on Tuesday defeated the salary measure by a 2-to-1 ratio.

The measure would have increased lawmaker salaries from $12,000 to $22,500 per year. Lawmakers haven't received a pay raise since 1988, and many senators argue that the current pay keeps qualified Nebraskans from serving. Supporters say the Legislature is dominated by retirees, lawyers, business owners, and those who are young and childless.

This year's pay-raise proposal was opposed by Republican Governor Dave Heineman, who argued lawmakers didn't deserve more money because of their support for taxpayer-funded prenatal care benefits to illegal immigrants.

 

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.