[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: The Full Time Legislature - II

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
The Full Time Legislature - II
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1203735167.shtml


   I doubt this problem is unique to Minnesota. No matter what the state
   Constitution says about its Legislature being part time, career
   legislators will work the edges to create a defacto full time
   Legislature.
   Minnesota is a prime example. Yes, the time when they can actually
   pass Legislation is limited, but that doesn't stop it from creating
   make-work for the off season, as in endless committees. There are
   seminars, presentations, and conventions to attend and junkets to see
   other cities' light rail, stadiums, etc.
   If I understand this new Transportation Contingent Appropriations
   Group (TCAG) concept, the Legislature has now granted itself some
   off-season Executive authority over transportation projects. For the
   first time, they have also announced their desire to call themselves
   into session.
   The war is over. We essentially now have a full time Legislature. It's
   for the wrong reasons, DFL reasons in fact, because this arrangement
   suits their chosen and/or preferred life style: public sector
   employment.
   If we're going to remove this bias, which is to say return to the
   spirit of the citizen legislature envisioned 150 years ago, we have to
   make it feasible for most citizens to consider running for the
   Legislature.
   Currently, base salary for a Legislator is a little over $31,000 I
   believe, and it hasn't been adjusted for some time. It's probably too
   low. It obviously precludes many talented people who make
   significantly more from considering Legislative service.
   The perfect plan as proposed by economist Dr. Walter E. Williams would
   be to pay them $1 million a year IF they agree to stay away from the
   Capitol! That would more than pay for itself. But seriously, what if
   we set the pay at, say, $250,000? Almost anyone could afford to serve
   at that salary (and no per diems at all). But we'd never get rid of
   them.
   I think we should focus on entry and exit. What if we set the pay at
   the your second highest income the past five years, or $35,000,
   whichever is higher. Further, you get a generous severance when you
   leave, like 10% per year served, up to one year's worth. Maybe more,
   but whatever is sufficient to allow you to transition back to your old
   life or profession.
   Yes, that means some Legislators would be paid significantly more than
   others. But today's equality of pay is creating great inequity of
   service. And as we've seen, the pay really isn't equal today, thanks
   to per diem abuse. Let's look at it as buying hours, and some people's
   hours cost more than others.
   One other detail: pensions for Legislators should be eliminated even
   if we change nothing else. Create 401K style alternatives so they can
   continue to fund their retirement directly.
   I know it will never happen as I've described, especially when you
   have to get the Legislature, the majority of whom like the current
   system, vote on it.