Texas in the News Weekly Quiz January 25, 2021

Is Texas Legislator Pay Too Low?

As the Texas legislature (“the Lege” as it’s called, as we learned in Chapter 7) gavels in for the 87^th time in regular session, it faces dozens of pressing issues like redistricting legislative lines, criminal justice reform, COVID-19 relief, and a budget deficit due to the economic downturn.

Texas is one of only four states (the others being Montana, North Dakota, and Nevada) that meet every two years. Most states meet annually. But government in Texas is supposed to be small with a little footprint. The Texas constitution of 1876 kept the legislature the most important branch but made it a part-time body.

Texas “part-time” legislature also means low pay for legislators. Lawmakers pull in just $7,200 a year (plus a per diem for meals and other expenses). One senator once told your textbook author that “we basically donate our time.” The last time legislators had a pay raise was in 1975 (approved by voters, as any pay raise must be).

Is this salary too low? Some think so, especially those advocating for greater potential to run for office from Texans who aren’t wealthy or have a job which allows them to take significant time away from work every odd-numbered spring. Others argue that a part-time legislature ensures Texas representatives are not “career politicians.”

Take a look at the following articles and decide for yourself:

• How Much Should State Legislators Get Paid?
• She wanted to talk about how much Texas legislators make. It has reignited an old debate about inclusion
• Why Aren’t State Legislators Paid A Living Wage?