Nebraska lawmakers would get a $10,500 raise per year starting next year, under a bill advanced by the Executive Board.

The committee voted 6-3 Thursday morning to allow the pay increase plan to be debated by the full Legislature.

Unicameral Speaker Mike Flood amended an original proposal by Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh that would have given lawmakers a
$32,000 salary.

Instead, elected officials would now be paid $22,500 per year.

Flood says the $22,500 salary is appropriate to maintain a
citizen Legislature.

He says people would still need to have a full-time job if they
choose to serve.
Currently, lawmakers are paid $12,000 per year. Any change in
lawmaker salaries would be subject to a public vote in November.