(Victor Joecks, Las Vegas Review-Journal) – There’s one thing everyone can agree on: It’s nice to get paid. The problem for lawmakers is that voting yourself a pay raise is a good way to end your political career. The mailer writes itself.
Nevada legislators, though, are considering an ingenious — or devious — solution to raise their salaries. Assembly Joint Resolution 10* is a proposed constitutional amendment passed by the Legislature in 2015. Nevada’s constitution requires the Legislature to pass constitutional amendments in two consecutive sessions before sending it to voters in the next general election.
Setting salaries of elected officials “unfortunately politicizes what is normally a function of human resources,” said Assemblyman Al Kramer, R-Carson City, when presenting the bill on March 28. It’s currently on the Assembly agenda for a floor vote.
AJR10* would create a Citizens’ Commission on Compensation for Certain Elected Officers, with seven members appointed by the governor. Instead of the Legislature, the commission would set compensation for legislators, the governor and other constitutional officers, judges and a host of local officials, like county commissioners. AJR10* mandates that the commission set salaries based on those holding comparative roles in the public and private sector.
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