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Hike state lawmakers' pay
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As we've seen lately, the average Utah voter is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Kudos to those lawmakers who try to do the right thing all the while knowing it will hurt them in the polls.
Remember, America is a Republic, not a democracy. We elect people to do what's best, not what's most popular.
Thank you to all those who risk their careers to bring sanity to this state in spite of its populus.
But I emphatically agree with the need to tie any pay increase to a ban on all "gifts" from lobbyists. Pay the legislators for their time, and reimburse their legitimate expenses. But put an end to the utterly unethical practices that allow lobbyists to buy influence.
I didn't get in it for the thank you factor but it is nice to hear once in a while.
My other point is related to the per diem stuff.
I recently had to drive 45 miles to SLC for a workshop on writing test items for the state test. We were told that if we drove 50 miles one way we would be reimbursed for our travel and we could get a hotel room and spend the night. I drove 45 miles and received neither. It was said that it was considered normal travel (I drive or bike 3 miles to work each day).
Per diem for meals? Dream on....
I would just like to see us all on a level playing field when it comes to this kind of stuff. The legislators are state employees too. We should all be treated the same.
We should give them vouchers to Motel 6 for their lodging and Chuck-A-Rama for lunch and dinner. If that's not good enough for them, they can pay the rest out of their pockets instead of mine!
I travel extensively with my work, usually with little notice (so I don't have time to find the best deals). I have rarely had to spend more than $75 per day for lodging and meals, and the only times I've spent more than $100 were when I was stuck in towns with special events running, like Las Vegas during a major trade show.
There is no excuse for legislators to claim they need over ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS A WEEK just for room and board!
When I see some legislation passed that reduces property taxes to affordable levels, stops drivers driving with their precious cell phones in hand while endangering the lives of everyone about them, and solving the myriad of problems that are far more important than pay raises and building new state buildings; --- it is then I'll support this move.
Utah wage in 2001 was $13.75. In 2006 it was $13.25. Nationally, wages are $14.81 (Deseret News - Voices for Utah Children)
No, I don't believe so! Let's come down to earth Mr. Legislator.
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We also need more professional educators in the legislature because they will already have an incentive to increase education spending.