Civic Nebraska supports four constitutional amendments to make our Legislature more accessible, representative, and effective. Right now, too many Nebraskans are shut out of public service simply because they can’t afford it. If we want a government that truly works for all of us, these changes are a step in the right direction.
What?
Nebraska’s lawmakers earn just $12,000 annually, which hasn’t changed in nearly four decades. They also get no health insurance and must leave office after eight years, even if voters want to keep them.
This year, state lawmakers introduced four constitutional amendments to address these shortcomings. LR7CA would increase senator salaries to $30,000 annually, bringing pay to a more reasonable level while maintaining the Legislature’s citizen-led tradition. LR25CA would tie senator salaries to Nebraska’s minimum wage and provide access to health insurance. Meanwhile, LR19CA and LR27CA would allow state senators to serve three consecutive terms rather than two, giving experienced lawmakers up to 12 years in the body.
So What?
These proposals are good for the long-term health of our Legislature and, therefore, the health of our state. First, many working Nebraskans don’t consider running for Legislature because it’s a financial burden. An annual salary of $12,000 means that many talented people sit on the sidelines while those with independent wealth serve. Raising salaries can make public service a realistic option for a more representative cross-section of Nebraskans.
Second – most jobs provide health insurance, but Nebraska’s lawmakers receive none. Anyone relying on employer-provided coverage must weigh the risk of losing their healthcare before considering running for Legislature. That’s an impossible tradeoff.
Finally, extending term limits strengthens our Legislature by keeping experienced lawmakers in office longer. Under the current system, senators must leave after eight years, even if their constituents want them to stay. This constant turnover forces lawmakers to learn on the job while lobbyists and unelected staff become the long-term holders of institutional knowledge. Serving for up to 12 years gives Nebraska’s most effective lawmakers the opportunity to continue doing the work their voters elected them to do.
Now What?
Each amendment will be considered next week at public hearings before the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board:
›› The senator pay amendments (LR19CA and LR27CA) will be heard at noon CST on Monday, Feb. 24, in Room 2102 at the Nebraska State Capitol.
›› Then, at noon CST on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the same room, the Board will hear citizen testimony about the proposed term-limit amendments (LR7CA and LR25CA).
Some might feel hesitant about supporting higher pay and benefits for lawmakers. But think of it this way: If we paid teachers so little that they had to work second or third jobs, we wouldn’t attract the best educators for our kids – and if we forced those educators to leave the classroom after they gained valuable experience, our schools would suffer.
The same logic applies here: If we want a Legislature that reflects the people of Nebraska, we need to make it more affordable for good, qualified people to serve.
