The headline in the Sunday KANSAS CITY STAR read: Kansas lawmakers are among the worst paid in the nation. Some say it impedes true representation
Since 2009 Kansas lawmakers have earned $88.66 per day during their 90-day session in Topeka. If you assume legislators work 8 hours each day – with committee work, constituent services, evening meetings, research, and night activities – 8 hours are easily found making their hourly pay in Topeka $11.08 an hour.
Legislators are paid a per diem for lodging and meals of $157.00 and when not in session they are paid 20 equal payments of $354 for serving constituents outside their session.
Assuming a 90-day session lawmakers are paid $7,979 annually plus $14,130 per diem. Combined with their 20 allowance payments the average Kansas legislator is paid about $29,000 annually before taxes and benefits.
In contrast, Missouri lawmakers, also part-timers, are paid a $36,183 base salary plus per diem.
The Star’s research indicated a consensus from both political parties that the Kansas pay scale creates a governing body that prioritizes the independently wealthy or retired candidates over younger lower income Kansans.
The average age of the 160 Kansas legislators is 57 with 4 in their 20’s and 12 in their 30’s!
Many told the Star about working extreme hours in several jobs to make ends meet….Furthermore, lawmakers are expected to continue serving their constituents year-round.
Despite a pay rate that can be documented as below the minimum wage lawmaker’s efforts to raise their own pay have historically been stymied because they are viewed as politically toxic.
Help may be on the way as a bill establishing a commission to study and set compensation every 4 years is moving forward. Legislators would have the ability to reject the commission’s findings, but would not need to vote to approve a raise in pay.
It is believed Governor Kelly will sign such a bill.
We’ve been fortunate in the Emporia area to have had quality legislators, but some areas in Kansas aren’t so lucky. It doesn’t help that the Kansas legislature is one of the largest in America.
I’m Steve Sauder guessing; today, I have given you something to think about!
