LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A $10,500 per year raise for Nebraska lawmakers would go before the voters in November, under a measure approved in the state Legislature.
Lawmakers voted 28-9 on Monday to advance a constitutional amendment to boost salaries to $22,500 starting in 2013. The current rate of pay for elected officials is $12,000.
Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh introduced the measure in an effort to adjust lawmaker pay for inflation. The last time salaries were raised was more than 20 years ago.
Supporters say everyday people can no longer afford to serve in the Legislature. Some lawmakers say that the Legislature has become a place for the retired and the rich.
Opponents say the state should spend its money elsewhere.
The measure faces one more round of voting in the coming weeks.