The conversation around legislative pay is long overdue in Nebraska, as state senators continue to serve without a raise in compensation for over three decades. It’s time for a serious discussion about how to make serving in the Unicameral more accessible to a wider range of citizens.
A 36-Year Pay Freeze
It’s been 36 years since Nebraska state senators saw a pay increase. While many will argue that being a state senator should be a public service, it’s important to recognize that the demands of the position have drastically changed. Back in 1988, when the last raise occurred, senators were paid $400 a month, up from $200 in 1968. At the time, the proposal to raise it to $1,000 a month was a point of contention—but it passed.
Fast forward to today, and senators still earn that same base salary of $1,000 a month, despite the fact that the role has only grown in complexity. The state’s Unicameral Legislature, the only one of its kind in the country, faces a unique set of challenges, and it’s time to consider whether the pay structure still reflects the realities of modern governance.
The Changing Responsibilities of State Senators
Serving as a state senator used to mean part-time commitment. However, with the expansion of technology and communication, the expectations of what senators must do for their constituents have changed drastically. Today’s legislators field constant questions, work through a higher volume of bills, and often spend additional time engaging with voters, even when the Legislature is not in session.
Additionally, there are more interim studies and hearings than ever before, requiring senators to spend more time in the community. With all these new demands, it’s clear that the workload is much heavier now than it was 36 years ago.
But beyond the time commitment, there’s another significant issue: the ability of regular citizens—especially those with jobs, families, or businesses—to run for office. Many people simply can’t afford to take time away from their careers without pay or benefits. For those who do own businesses, the time spent in the Legislature takes away from their ability to manage their companies. This makes it nearly impossible for many qualified individuals to even consider running for office.
No Health Insurance or Retirement Benefits
Unlike many full-time positions, Nebraska’s state senators do not receive health insurance, retirement contributions, or other benefits that most working people take for granted. While the citizen legislature model remains crucial for keeping the state’s government connected to everyday citizens, the lack of financial support can make it more difficult for potential senators to participate.
It’s not just about a salary increase; it’s about ensuring that people who are willing to dedicate their time to public service aren’t left behind financially. This lack of compensation and benefits presents an additional barrier for many people who would otherwise consider taking the step to run for office. Many simply can’t afford to do so.
A Potential Solution: Linking Pay to County Judges’ Salaries
Rather than setting an arbitrary pay figure, one proposal could be for the governor to appoint a committee that sets legislative pay every ten years based on a percentage of what the average county judge in Nebraska earns. It could be capped at 15%, which would provide a reasonable increase while still keeping the legislature’s pay in line with the idea that it should not be a full-time job.
This system could strike a balance between recognizing the growing demands of the position and keeping the Unicameral accessible to those who want to serve without creating a financial incentive to make it a career. By ensuring that senators are still connected to the workforce, this model could open the door for more individuals to serve their state.
Such a proposal would also consider the financial constraints of the state. While raising pay to a level that allows senators to live comfortably solely off their legislative salary may not be the goal, having a system that makes it financially viable for more citizens to consider running for office is critical for the future of Nebraska’s governance.
Why This Matters
The reality is that Nebraska needs more people involved in state governance. The Unicameral Legislature is unique in its structure, but it’s also in need of reforms to keep up with the times. We need to keep the citizen legislature alive, but we also need to ensure that those citizens aren’t being asked to sacrifice their financial well-being in order to serve.
It’s clear that as the needs of the state evolve, so too must the pay and compensation for its legislators. A fair pay structure would allow more people from all walks of life to contribute their talents and perspectives, ensuring that the Unicameral remains diverse and responsive to the needs of Nebraskans.
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