Kinnaird: Raise pay automatically

Comment deleted for offensiveness.

— RTB 

It appears to be true that most NC legislators are well off resulting in a very small pool of candidates from which to choose. IMO, we definitely need to pay legislators more, change our legislature to full-time status. Senator Kinnairds's proposal is somewhat reasonable; however, her timing is lousy and her rhetoric may not be totally transparent regarding what some legislators are paid. It has always amazed me that overseeing the biggest business in a state of nine million citizens is conducted as a part-time job. We always hear about "the balance of power". If the Executive Branch and Judicial Branch are full-time shouldn't the Legislative Branch be full-time? Look at the link I've inserted about how NC ranks in the country.
http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=179978

Comment deleted for general tackiness.

— RTB

I don't understand how we expect everyone to get involved in politics (or at least have a shot) when the pay for legislators is too low. Either someone has a working spouse who makes enough money or the individual is wealthy to begin with. If someone does not make enough or holding another job to cover costs is not possible (such as teaching) is not democratic as people are excluded from the process.

Hey riverrd, gasoline, milk and beans cost money, too! Legislators should get the same raise they vote in for all State Employees. They stick out their bottom lips and give us the poor talk, speaking of rising costs and inflation. Inflation hits me too, and everyone else who works for the state, and we are way behind the curve in getting raises to keep up with it.

WHAT A CROOK!!!!

so, river-baby, you see where people pay 10 times over what a job pays to land a job - as an indicator that they deserve more pay?

Seems you got one thing right: "I use this term with all due respect,...idiots!" since you should respect those who are smarter than you.

We don't need legislators. All we need are robots that automatically raise taxes any time there is a problem. Oh. that 's what we already have.

How dumb can most of you people be!! Democracy and Self-government cost! This is no longer a state of a small number of farmers and craftmens as it was when it was formed out of the wilderness! We cannot rely on a few 'Gentleman Farmers' to gather for a few weeks each year to past tariffs and laws against stealing horses, at their own expense. This is the 21st Century with 21st Century problems and needs. Governing this great state is a Full Time Job in need of Full Time Legislators and they need and must be paid as professionals! And it means a larger salary financed by taxes, yes I said TAXES! The acts of our Legislature have a deep and profound effect on our lives and I want the best we can elect to make these laws. Those of you who scream 'NO NEW TAXES' at everything, and I use this term with all due respect, are idiots! You people are just true-believing, Flat-Earth Republicans that cannot understand the world in which you live. If you depend on a doctor or lawyer or teacher, then you want the best you or your family can afford. The same applys for your government. Grow up and become educated on how self-government works!

I'd go for this. Seems somewhat fair anyway.

I doubt any state employees will be getting raises in the next couple of years anyway. They'll be lucky to keep their jobs. So, I doubt legislators would vote for this anyway.

In recent years, State workers have been averaging about 2% raises each year. That ain't much on $13k a year.

When compared to other state spending, this is a non-issue.

This is called political cowardice on her part. She doesn't want to be caught on record giving herself a pay raise every year.

This is obscene and so typical of the elitist neo-marxists! Has she no shame?!?!

If the law makers get automatic raises so should the state employees that get high performance ratings,by this I mean honest ratings not the ones because somebody knows someone.

Oh heck no, I am not going to get a raise this year she shouldn't either, heck no. The nerve of that woman.

Ms Kinnaird, please do us a favor and find a different nest for yourself. I'm sure there are hundreds of people that would love the chance to replace you under the current compensation structure. Not only does she want to avoid the sacrifices the rest of us are making; she wants us to sacrifice more for her benefit.

uh, the guy who beat me spent over $100K, that'd be over $100K more than I spent. Apparently, some need this job really bad - what would they do for a klondike bar.

Plus, Ellie's nuptials must have taken a bite out of the old gal's wallet.

Perhaps her good friend Ted Vaden will share some of his cushy salary with her from his new "make-work" job.

All gifts from the cash-strapped taxpayers who are just trying to put food on the table and raise their kids!

Ever wonder why "Most legislators are already wealthy, frequently are part of a law firm or business and have more income that most citizens."?

No one else can afford to do it! 14K a year is impossible for people without other means of financial support. The part-time nature of the job just compounds the problem...you can't have another full-time job and still meet the demands of legislative service.

Perhaps if state legislators made a reasonable salary, there would be more people in the General Assembly who understand the concerns of ordinary North Carolinians.

Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, a Carrboro Democrat, said she filed the bill to help pay for state lawmakers keep pace with inflation and increased demands.*N&O

Boy! Wait until next year when hyperinflation kicks in from the Obama Stimilus agenda at 14 tractor trailer loads of 100 dollar federal reserve paper currency notes.

What a croc for any legislator to talk about raising their own pay during times when state citizens are drowning in financial problems, losing jobs at a record pace and having to see economic conditions getting worse by the day.

Most legislators are already wealthy, frequently are part of a law firm or business and have more income that most citizens. Legislators should consider giving back the pay they do get or working in that role without pay and doing their best to improve the quality of life for all state citizens.

John P