Arizona Legislative Pay Debate: Proposals for Raises and Reforms

Arizona’s legislative salary debate reignites as Governor Katie Hobbs reflects on her past earnings as a state senator. While she now earns $95,000 as governor, current lawmakers continue to receive the same $24,000 she did a decade ago.

“It’s certainly not sustainable to live on $24,000 a year,” Hobbs commented, acknowledging that legislative roles have evolved into year-round commitments, despite being labeled part-time positions.

However, Hobbs remains cautious about supporting salary increase initiatives, citing political reasons. “If they want Arizonans to pay them more, they need to show up,” she insisted, urging lawmakers to collaborate on budget issues and educational funding.

Republicans in the legislature accuse Hobbs of hindering progress by presenting a budget they consider unrealistic, particularly with its assumption of federal reimbursements for border security expenses.

Efforts to amend the current salary system are underway, with various proposals suggesting changes to how legislative pay is determined.

Bolick’s Proposal: Adjusted Salaries for Legislators

State Senator Shawnna Bolick proposed linking state senator salaries to a percentage of Congress members’ earnings, which would increase their pay to $52,200. Her plan also suggested modifying terms and introducing additional requirements for candidates. Despite its complexity, the proposal did not advance.

Travers’ Proposal: Salary Increases with Cost-of-Living Adjustments

Representative Stacey Travers advocated for setting salaries at $35,000 with automatic cost-of-living increases, alongside tenure limits. Her proposal, like others, failed to gain a hearing.

Mathis’ Proposal: Lawmakers to Decide Their Pay

Rep. Chris Mathis took a different approach, suggesting that voters relinquish their role in approving legislative salaries. This proposal, too, did not progress.

Measures Moving Forward

Senator John Kavanagh introduced a measure to index salaries with inflation, potentially doubling current pay if approved. Another proposal by Senator David Gowan would create a new panel to determine salaries, linking them to the governor’s earnings. This could lead to a significant pay raise for legislators if approved.

Governor Hobbs remains non-committal on what she sees as an appropriate salary for the governor and legislators, emphasizing the financial struggles of many Arizonans. She also dismisses the idea of donating her salary, unlike gubernatorial candidate Hugh Lytle, who has pledged to donate his if elected.