The Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board has unanimously advanced a proposal that would create a nonpartisan commission to determine lawmaker salaries. Legislative Resolution 25CA, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, initially suggested tying legislative pay to Nebraska’s minimum wage plus insurance benefits but was later amended to allow a citizen commission to set salaries instead. Hansen argued that this approach would be more transparent and accountable, ensuring that Nebraskans, not lawmakers, determine compensation.
If the resolution passes the Legislature’s three rounds of debate, it will go to voters on the 2026 ballot for approval. If approved, the commission would be established in 2028, with the first salary adjustments considered in 2029.
Currently, Nebraska lawmakers earn $12,000 per year, an amount unchanged since 1988. The Nebraska Constitution limits their salaries to no more than $1,000 per month, requiring voter approval for any increase. Comparatively, lawmakers in Iowa earn $25,000, those in Missouri receive over $41,000, and Minnesota legislators are paid $51,750 annually, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Nebraska lawmakers do receive per diem payments during sessions, with $55 per day for those within 50 miles of the Capitol and $151 per day for those living farther away.
While most board members supported advancing the resolution, Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte expressed skepticism, noting that voters often reject measures related to legislative pay increases. However, Hansen argued that this proposal differs, as it does not directly raise salaries but instead allows a commission to decide. He added that the commission could lower legislative salaries, though board members joked that there isn’t much room to reduce wages further.
With the Executive Board’s approval, the proposal now heads to the first round of floor debate in the Nebraska Legislature.
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