Arizona Legislature Pay Raise Proposal Tied to Term Limit Enforcement
In a bid to raise legislative salaries for the first time since 1998, Rep. Stacey Travers has introduced a proposal that includes enforceable term limits for Arizona lawmakers. Currently, despite voter-approved term limits, legislators can remain in office indefinitely by switching chambers. This loophole has allowed some, like Sen. John Kavanagh, to serve multiple terms by alternating between the House and Senate.
Travers, a Phoenix Democrat, argues that the current $24,000 annual salary is insufficient to attract qualified candidates. Her plan seeks to increase this salary to $35,000, with adjustments for inflation every two years following elections. The proposal also includes a constitutional amendment that would limit lawmakers to four two-year terms in each chamber, totaling a maximum of 16 years in office.
However, this proposal faces opposition from some long-term legislators. Kavanagh, a Republican, plans to counter with a bill that would significantly increase salaries without altering current term limits. He believes that voters should retain the ability to re-elect experienced legislators for as long as they choose, citing the learning curve associated with understanding state government processes.
Travers’ approach aims to address the disconnect between the original intent of a “citizen legislature,” where lawmakers would only serve part-time, and the current reality where legislative duties can extend throughout the year. She suggests that new blood and ideas are necessary after 16 years. “After 16 years, I just think you need new blood and new ideas,” she stated.
Despite different perspectives, both Travers and Kavanagh agree on the need for a salary increase. Kavanagh previously proposed adjusting the salary for inflation, which would raise it to $48,000, but his measure stalled in the House. He argues that a higher salary would attract a broader range of candidates and better reflect the 1998 voter-approved salary when adjusted for inflation.
Sen. Eva Burch’s recent resignation highlights the financial strain of the current salary. Burch, a Democrat from Mesa, cited difficulties balancing legislative duties with her career as a healthcare provider as part of her reason for leaving. She emphasized the need for legislative pay that allows for representation from working-class citizens.
The debate continues as voters ultimately hold the power to decide on any changes to legislative pay and term limits. As both proposals seek to address different aspects of legislative service, the decision will likely hinge on voter preferences for change versus continuity in representation.
In related legislative news, Sen. Kavanagh plans to introduce a bill that would remove penalties for county supervisors failing to canvass elections. Meanwhile, Attorney General Kris Mayes is pursuing action against 11 Republicans who falsely claimed to be the state’s legal electors during the 2020 presidential election.
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