(The Center Square) – Senators in Virginia, majority Democrats, are seeking annual pay of $50,000 for themselves and members of the House of Delegates in the budget negotiations as first-term Gov. Abigail Spanberger awaits a bill to sign.
For nearly 38 years, since 1988, the rate has been $18,000 for the upper chamber and $17,640 for the lower. That’s a 177.8% increase for senators, 183.4% for delegates.
Across many outlets, the new rate is framed as 300% of the original.
Bottom line in the budget is $2.9 million in general funds the second year to support the increase. And, the raises are dead if the House of Delegates does not amend its budget with the inclusion.
Virginia lawmakers are scheduled for 60 days in Richmond in the years when a biennial budget is due, 45 days in the other year. The per diem is $237 a day for each, along with mileage reimbursement, office, meeting and other expenses.
Spanberger and other Democrats waged campaigns last fall to secure their seats around the idea of affordability. Since taking office, however, household purchases, paychecks, transportation costs and everyday services have been subject of impact from by a broad slate of tax increase proposals.
Virginia’s Senate Minority Caucus, speaking on the raises, said in part, “The affordability hoax just gets worse and worse.”
For context, state lawmaker pay varies as significantly as the length of sessions. New York ($142,000 plus), California ($114,000 plus) and Pennsylvania ($90,000 plus) are full-time, positions – meaning, they’re in session about all 12 months. Part-time states like South Carolina ($10,400 plus), Nebraska ($12,000 plus) and North Carolina ($13,951 plus) have much shorter annual schedules.
