Can't we use the initiative process to lower our representative's salaries to

[rustydog]

that of a grade school teacher and remove automatic retirement for legislators. Make this a public service, not a career choice.

Am I off base on this?

[BzaDem]

1. ... what "initiative process" are you talking about? n/t

[rustydog]

4. Several states have laws that allow citizens to draft initiatives

then signatures have to be collected showing citizens want the initiative put to the public for a vote. if approved, it becomes law.

washington state is one of those. we have an "initiative king" who makes a salary drafting initiatives trying to govern the state by himself.

[BzaDem]

11. OK. I thought you were talking about the salaries of Congressmen. n/t

[Horse with no Name]

2. There is a DU'er who has by far the BEST proposal

I hope he steps up to present it because I don't remember who posted it, but basically he said that Representatives should make a salary average of what their district makes, Senators and average of what the constituents in their state makes. If they want a raise--it would be incumbent upon them to get their constituents a raise.
It was an ideal plan--but I would also add that they lose their pensions and be given Medicare instead of their cadillac plans.

[former9thward]

9. That would mean GOP reps from rich white suburban districts

would make the most money and Democratic reps from black inner city districts would make the least money. I don't think that will fly.

[msongs]

3. on a state level perhaps, in some states only, like California for example. nt

[ixion]

5. I'm all for it. "Make this a public service, not a career choice."

Without question. :applause:

[Davis_X_Machina]

6. Irrelevant in the many states...

...that have part-time legislators, per-diem paid legislators, or both.

A state rep in Maine makes $17,500 for a two-year term. If you want him or her to make what a beginning school teacher makes, you'd have to give him or her a 60% or better raise.

And they're term-limited.

Not everywhere is California.

Details here.

[Warren Stupidity]

7. the point being to ensure that only the rich can afford to serve?

[Davis_X_Machina]

8. Policies are to be judged...

...on the potency of their symbolism, not their effectiveness.

It's the DU way.

[defendandprotect]

10. +1000%