Legislative Pay

Back in the 1700's our forefathers and mothers went to war with England about matters of governance including "taxation without representation." Thankfully they won. But have we carried the "representation" thing a little too far?

Kansas Senate president Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, is introducing legislation this session meant to increase pay for our legislators. Best I can figure, they make about $9 an hour while in Topeka. Grandma used to say, "You get what you pay for, Bobby." So, in her view the good senator probably has a point. Nine bucks is less than the average Kansan makes, and the folks in Topeka are suppose to be above average citizens. Albeit they don't always act that way.

Now Article 2 of the Kansas Constitution says, "The number.shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five representatives and forty senators.(and) the legislature shall receive such compensation as may be provided by law." Well, not surprisingly if the Constitution allows for 125 and 40, that's what we have today at the Capital - the maximum.

By contrast, Arkansas' population is about the same as Kansas, but they have 30 fewer members in the Legislature. Colorado has two million more folks than the 2.7 million living here in Kansas, yet our neighbors have 65 fewer law makers. And California with 32 million more people have 45 less serving in Sacremento. You see where I'm going here?

The Kansas budget is about $5 billion per year. I once worked for a company whose revenue was $55 billion. The executive committee running that enterprise totaled ten people. Interestingly, if the Kansas Legislature was sized on population, following the California model, we would have ten representatives in Topeka.

Here in Manhattan we have two House members. Both, curiously, are Democrats, which is neither here nor there, but interesting nontheless. The question is, do we really need two folks in Topeka representing our Riley county interests, when the whole State is represented in Washington by just four? I think not.

Senator Morris, here's how to fix the pay problem. Think outside the box for a moment and take a serious look at the representation needs of this State. The Constitution allows you to act. Get Kansas competitive with our neighbors. Cut the Legislature from 165 to 100 like Colorado. And double the pay of those serving. The body will be far more efficient. Operating expenses will be way down more than covering the pay increase. The pay will attract a broader range of qualified candidates. And in the end the State will actually be better off for your statesmanlike effort.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press, March 2, 2006.