Yeah, Ortiz is pretty sharp. How long until she runs for something else? And I don't blame people for ditching the Legislature -- it's a really bad job. Do you think paying people more than $24,000 (plus whatever mileage and per diem they can scrounge up) would help? Or is it something else driving people out?
Yeah, Ortiz is pretty sharp. How long until she runs for something else? And I don't blame people for ditching the Legislature -- it's a really bad job. Do you think paying people more than $24,000 (plus whatever mileage and per diem they can scrounge up) would help? Or is it something else driving people out?
Getting mileage while not working increased their pay this year. I think if the legislature actually focused on important issues mentioned above by Ms Powers, voters would be more open to paying them more.
I agree. If legislators were more focused on serious Arizona issues, water, reproductive rights, housing, public education тАж.and actually passed some bills that make a difference, then I would be more inclined to vote for a raise.
I suspect that in the past half-century, a part-time legislator became largely someone who had a flexible main job rather than someone who entirely gave up the main job during a short session. In Florida there were plenty of lawyers and real-estate people because they're more likely to be wealthy AND be far more flexible than others. And as long as there are enough people who can do that, plus others who are willing to take a $24K job a year for a few years as a stepping stone, it'll creak along.
I thought Ortiz has been with Rural Arizona Engagement since 2021, and the ACLU of Arizona before that. I wonder if she could make a go of it with a Substack... ;-)
Yeah, Ortiz is pretty sharp. How long until she runs for something else? And I don't blame people for ditching the Legislature -- it's a really bad job. Do you think paying people more than $24,000 (plus whatever mileage and per diem they can scrounge up) would help? Or is it something else driving people out?
Getting mileage while not working increased their pay this year. I think if the legislature actually focused on important issues mentioned above by Ms Powers, voters would be more open to paying them more.
I agree. If legislators were more focused on serious Arizona issues, water, reproductive rights, housing, public education тАж.and actually passed some bills that make a difference, then I would be more inclined to vote for a raise.
I suspect that in the past half-century, a part-time legislator became largely someone who had a flexible main job rather than someone who entirely gave up the main job during a short session. In Florida there were plenty of lawyers and real-estate people because they're more likely to be wealthy AND be far more flexible than others. And as long as there are enough people who can do that, plus others who are willing to take a $24K job a year for a few years as a stepping stone, it'll creak along.
I thought Ortiz has been with Rural Arizona Engagement since 2021, and the ACLU of Arizona before that. I wonder if she could make a go of it with a Substack... ;-)
Good luck getting voter approval for higher pay.