Lawmakers plan to resume push for increased salaries

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Story Created: Nov 12, 2012 at 3:27 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 12, 2012 at 3:30 PM CDT

Despite Nebraska voters overwhelmingly rejecting the amendment last week, state lawmakers are already planning to revisit a proposal for legislative salary increases.

Omaha Senator Scott Lautenbaugh says he will raise the issue again - though he has not yet developed a specific proposal.

Last week Nebraska voters defeated, with a 2 to 1 ratio,
the measure that would have increased lawmaker salaries from $12,000 to $22,500 per year.

Lawmakers haven't received a pay raise since 1988.

Many senators argue that the current pay keeps qualified Nebraskans from serving and others say the Legislature is dominated by retirees, lawyers, business owners, or those who are young and childless.

Governor Dave Heineman was very vocal about his opposition to the pay increase arguing lawmakers did not deserve more money because of their support for taxpayer- funded prenatal care benefits to low income women, including illegal immigrants.

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