MS Lawmakers Considering Own Pay Raise

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A bill making its way through the state
Capitol would authorize pay raises for a long list of Mississippi
elected officials, from the governor to legislators to judges to
county supervisors.
The bill is expected to come up for debate in the House
Appropriations Committee next week. It cleared the House Fees and
Salaries Committee yesterday (Thursday).
House Appropriations Chairman Johnny Stringer of Montrose says
there is never a good time for legislators to consider increasing
their own $10,000-a-year base pay.
Members of the House and Senate also receive $1,500 a month when
the Legislature is not in session. They're usually in session three
months and out of session nine.
Lawmakers also are paid mileage and expenses.
The bill would set legislators' new base pay at $15,000 and
could increase the out-of-session pay to $2,500 a month.
Legislators are not expected to consider a broad-based pay raise
for state employees.