Lawmakers Eye Doubling Their Salaries with New Ballot Measure

By Jonathan Eberle |

Arizona lawmakers are under increasing scrutiny for a proposed pay raise bill that aims to double their salaries. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1003 has been introduced in the Arizona State Senate, prompting concerns about its timing and the impact on taxpayers in a financially challenged state.

This legislation seeks to elevate base salaries for state legislators from $24,000 to $48,000, representing a substantial increase. It also includes proposed hikes in per diem payments and additional benefits. Supporters contend that enhancing compensation is essential for attracting qualified candidates and adjusting for inflation.

Senator John Kavanaugh, the bill’s sponsor, expressed confidence regarding public response. “I do not think those voters wanted their $24,000 raise diluted by inflation to about $11,000,” Kavanaugh claimed, referencing the purchasing power of lawmakers’ salaries from 1998, the last year of a pay raise.

Opponents argue that raising salaries amid economic hardship is inappropriate. Many Arizonans are grappling with a rising cost of living and a housing crisis, leading critics to suggest that lawmakers appear disconnected from their constituents’ struggles.

The proposal’s timing has further fueled skepticism about lawmakers’ intentions. Critics suggest that legislators, who often hold full-time jobs alongside their duties, should refrain from seeking pay increases while constituents face financial difficulties. Nonetheless, some believe a salary adjustment is vital for existing lawmakers to sustain their livelihoods.

Recent events have amplified these concerns; Democrat Senator Eva Burch announced her resignation, citing financial stress and the challenge of balancing legislative responsibilities with her work in healthcare. “I know that I am not the first, nor will be the last, good person to find themselves a casualty of legislative pay,” she stated.

As SCR 1003 progresses through the Arizona Legislature, the debate over potentially increased salaries for lawmakers is expected to continue. With many residents struggling with escalating costs, this issue underscores broader discussions regarding government priorities and fiscal responsibility.