State Lawmakers Fear Backlash from Giving Themselves a Raise

ST. PAUL -- Want to complain to your legislators about wage
stagnation? Chances are they've gone just as long maybe longer without a
raise.

Most Legislatures in the country have the ability to raise their own pay but
have not done so in years. Fear of political backlash is a major driver that
prevents pay raises.

Per capita income for Americans has gone up a little more than 6 percent in the
past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Over that period, 18 states
haven't increased legislator pay.

Minnesota and New York haven't raised pay in nearly 20 years. Missouri just
said no a raise. And Connecticut has proposed a pay cut.

Experts worry that uncompetitive pay may be chasing well-qualified candidates
away from the job during their prime.