House Freezes Legislators' Pay

Oregon Legislators currently make $21,592 annually. The commission recommended in November 2008 increasing that salary to $25,200.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon House Wednesday joined its Senate counterparts in approving a legislative pay freeze by rejecting the recommendation of the Public Commission on the Legislature’s recommendation for a legislative pay increase.

Senate Bill 778 sets salaries for legislators, judges and other elected officials. By passing the bill, the House effectively froze pay for all those covered under the bill.

“We’re tightening our belts. We’re protecting core services. And that means we will freeze our own pay. These are tough times for Oregonians and our efforts to balance the budget while protecting core services don’t include any pay raises,” said House Speaker Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County).

Oregon Legislators currently make $21,592 annually. The commission recommended in November 2008 increasing that salary to $25,200.

Senate Bill 778 rejects the proposed increases and authorizes legislative salaries at their current levels. The measure passed the House 53-6.