Legislation that would change legislators’ compensation to hourly pay was introduced in the House this week. Under the plan, a state lawmaker would only be paid for the time they spend working on behalf of the people of Michigan.
Key Points:
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- House Joint Resolution O was introduced by Representative James DeSana (R-Carleton).
- It changes legislator compensation from a salary to $13.73 per hour.
- Lawmakers would only be paid for the house they attend official House sessions and meetings for committees on which they serve as a member.
- The plan also updates travel reimbursements, under which a legislator would be eligible for mileage reimbursement each day they travel to Lansing for official House session.
- Currently, they receive compensation for one trip per session week.
Current Compensation:
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- Under the current system, the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC) determines the salaries and annual expense allowances for elected state officials.
- A state senator currently receives a $71,685 salary. Those in leadership receive a higher annual salary:
- Senate Majority Leader – $95,085
- Senate Minority Leader – $91,485
- Majority Floor Leader – $82,485
- Minority Floor Leader – $80,685
- Appropriations Committee Chair $77,985
- President Pro Tempore – $76,647
- A state representative also receives a $71,685 salary. As with the Senate, those in leadership receive a higher annual salary:
- Speaker of the House – $95,985
- House Minority Leader – $91,485
- Majority Floor Leader – $82,485
- Minority Floor Leader – $80,685
- Appropriations Committee Chair – $77,985
- Speaker Pro Tempore – $76,647
- All legislators receive an annual expense allowance of $10,8000.
The resolution was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.
