The AZ Legislators not getting a raise for 24 years shows conservatism at its worst. The idea that you can get good laws on the cheap is delusional. And FYI, most of legislators I know, (many), work year round on state business. I say this as a Reaganite.
Yes, they do and they should make more money. It’s ridiculous only wealthy Arizonans can serve. It’s also difficult to afford two homes for those that live in outside Maricopa County. The per deim is also tricky. All the best.
Most of them from my area, commute Sunday or Monday AM and stay in shared, short-term rentals. But, one of those I know claims to lose money every session due to costs of serving. I think it is true.
I’m sure you’re right. As I remember my Arizona history, farmers, cattlemen and such were to come in for a few days, take care of business and go back to work. Certainly not that way today.
Whenever I see a raise for our legislature on the ballot I want to vote for it. But before filling out my ballot I see what we get for our 24000 (or more) a year and can't do it. Maybe we would get better representatives if we paid more. I mean they could hardly be worse, could they?
Having been in and around all sorts of state legislatures for 15 years now, I've come to support professional, full-time, and well-paid legislators that are fully staffed. It is really difficult for even the best-intentioned person to fully wrap their heads around a bill in just a few days or weeks, and almost impossible if their staff is stretched thin. It gives way to governing by lobbyist (or who they heard from last).
I work a lot in Maine, and though they are not full time they have two-year sessions. They also work and consider EVERY bill. There are no politics when it comes to whose bill is heard, and each bill is fully considered in a work session, including amendments. They, too, need more staff, but at least it gives time to actually debate each idea before them.
Why did they arrest the guy wanting to shoot Trump? He was equal opportunity by shooting whoever won. Just say no you can’t do that, sir. Trump should pardon him. Come on. Crazy thought for a crazy time.
If the AZ Legislators would tell us what our state will get in return for asking for a pay raise instead of just trying to pass it in a bill, maybe they will get one. I'm not against voting for a raise, but when you're only in session for six months, it's going to be difficult to convince the people why the pay hike when legislative bipartisanship is practically nonexistent.
The AZ Legislators not getting a raise for 24 years shows conservatism at its worst. The idea that you can get good laws on the cheap is delusional. And FYI, most of legislators I know, (many), work year round on state business. I say this as a Reaganite.
Could you get them to do something?
The voters have to approve any increase.
Yes, they do and they should make more money. It’s ridiculous only wealthy Arizonans can serve. It’s also difficult to afford two homes for those that live in outside Maricopa County. The per deim is also tricky. All the best.
Most of them from my area, commute Sunday or Monday AM and stay in shared, short-term rentals. But, one of those I know claims to lose money every session due to costs of serving. I think it is true.
I’m sure you’re right. As I remember my Arizona history, farmers, cattlemen and such were to come in for a few days, take care of business and go back to work. Certainly not that way today.
Agreed-$18 billion budget is a magnitude of difference
Good work on the self-dealing of the legislature. Thank you.
Whenever I see a raise for our legislature on the ballot I want to vote for it. But before filling out my ballot I see what we get for our 24000 (or more) a year and can't do it. Maybe we would get better representatives if we paid more. I mean they could hardly be worse, could they?
Having been in and around all sorts of state legislatures for 15 years now, I've come to support professional, full-time, and well-paid legislators that are fully staffed. It is really difficult for even the best-intentioned person to fully wrap their heads around a bill in just a few days or weeks, and almost impossible if their staff is stretched thin. It gives way to governing by lobbyist (or who they heard from last).
I work a lot in Maine, and though they are not full time they have two-year sessions. They also work and consider EVERY bill. There are no politics when it comes to whose bill is heard, and each bill is fully considered in a work session, including amendments. They, too, need more staff, but at least it gives time to actually debate each idea before them.
Actually, a fun idea for a series may be looking at how other states legislate. I'd be happy to weigh in on a few different structures :)
Why did they arrest the guy wanting to shoot Trump? He was equal opportunity by shooting whoever won. Just say no you can’t do that, sir. Trump should pardon him. Come on. Crazy thought for a crazy time.
If the AZ Legislators would tell us what our state will get in return for asking for a pay raise instead of just trying to pass it in a bill, maybe they will get one. I'm not against voting for a raise, but when you're only in session for six months, it's going to be difficult to convince the people why the pay hike when legislative bipartisanship is practically nonexistent.