Nebraska’s Unicameral Legislature is at a pivotal juncture, with two significant issues on the table: increasing legislator salaries and extending term limits. Both proposals aim to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of our legislative body, ensuring it better serves the people of Nebraska.
Increasing Legislator Salaries
Currently, Nebraska legislators earn a modest $12,000 per year, a figure that has remained unchanged since 1988. This salary is among the lowest in the nation and does not reflect the extensive responsibilities and time commitments required of our state senators.
This year, two bills have been introduced that would increase legislative salaries. LR7CA would sent salaries at $30,000, while LR25CA would give state legislators the state minimum wage and health insurance.
Why Increase Salaries?
- Attracting Diverse Candidates: Low salaries deter many qualified individuals from running for office, particularly those who are not independently wealthy or retired. By increasing salaries, we can attract a broader pool of candidates, including young professionals, single parents, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Reflecting the Workload: Serving in the Nebraska Legislature is often a full-time job, involving legislative sessions, committee work, and constituent services. A higher salary would acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our legislators, allowing them to focus on their duties without the added stress of financial insecurity.
- Limiting the Influence of Special Interests: Higher salaries can reduce legislators’ dependence on external financial support, thereby limiting the influence of special interest groups. This financial independence allows legislators to make decisions based on the best interests of their constituents rather than external pressures.
Extending Term Limits
Nebraska currently imposes a limit of two consecutive four-year terms for its legislators. While term limits are intended to prevent career politicians and encourage fresh perspectives, they also have unintended consequences.
Two bills, LR19CA and LR27CA, have been introduced to extend legislative service to include a potential third consecutive term. Note, senators would still need to run for office to secure the term.
Why Extend Term Limits?
- Retaining Experience and Expertise: Legislating is complex, and experience matters. Extending term limits would allow seasoned legislators to continue contributing their knowledge and expertise, leading to more informed decision-making and continuity in governance.
- Ensuring a Balance of Power: Our current term limits have ensured that lobbyists are the longest tenured staff in the legislature. That experience means the people’s representatives are at a disadvantage when they begin their careers. Longer terms can reduce the influence of special interests by giving legislators time to develop their knowledge and understanding of the unicameral. This shift can lead to more independent and principled decision-making.
- Giving Voters More Options: Extending term limits provides voters with more choices at the ballot box. Instead of being forced to choose new candidates every few years, voters can decide whether to retain experienced legislators or bring in fresh faces, ensuring a balance between continuity and change.
Conclusion
Increasing legislator salaries and extending term limits are crucial steps towards strengthening Nebraska’s legislative body. These reforms will attract a more diverse and qualified pool of candidates, retain valuable experience, limit the influence of special interests, and give voters more options in elections. By supporting these changes, we can ensure that our Legislature is better equipped to serve the needs of all Nebraskans.
What are your thoughts on these proposed changes? Let’s continue the conversation and work together to build a more effective and inclusive legislative body for Nebraska.
