Committee Approves Pay Raise Bill Granting 57% Salary Increases for Nebraska Constitutional Officers – Governor Excluded

A Nebraska legislative committee has narrowly advanced a bill that would grant significant pay raises—about 57%—to all state constitutional officers except the governor, with the increases set to take effect in 2027. Legislative Bill 345, introduced by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, received a 5-1 vote after members adopted an amendment specifying the new salaries, which are based on inflation adjustments since 2007. If approved, the attorney general’s salary would rise from $95,000 to $149,000, and other positions such as secretary of state, auditor, and treasurer would increase from $85,000 to $133,000. The lieutenant governor and Public Service Commissioners would see their pay go from $75,000 to $118,000. The governor’s salary would remain at $105,000—making it the lowest among the group—a point made clear due to Governor Jim Pillen’s strong opposition to raising his own pay.

Supporters of the measure, including Committee Chair Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, argue the raises are necessary to attract qualified candidates and reflect the full-time responsibilities of these roles. Sanders emphasized that while public service involves sacrifice, pay must be appropriate to ensure accessibility for working Nebraskans and their families. However, critics such as Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln argue that the timing is inappropriate given Nebraska’s projected $457 million budget shortfall. She called the raises “highly hypocritical” as some of the same officials pushing for higher salaries have also backed policies that she says hurt working families.

Auditor Mike Foley was the only constitutional officer to testify on the bill, voicing support for whatever the Legislature decides. While some senators like Sen. Megan Hunt voted against the bill, others took no position. The proposal may not pass as a stand-alone bill this year, but it could be attached to a broader measure. If not approved before the next term begins in 2027, salary changes would be delayed until at least 2031. Lawmakers have historically overridden governor vetoes on similar proposals, though Pillen has not indicated whether he would veto this particular bill.