Marko Liias

Today, I cosponsored a proposed constitutional amendment to limit my own pay in this tough economy.  I do not believe that I should be treated any differently than other public servants.

In the 1990s, our state approved a constitutional amendment to allow a citizen commission to set the salary of state elected officials.  This was a smart decision to put our salary decisions in independent hands.

Since the constitutional amendment was passed, legislators have not had control over their salary.  This means that even in a recession like this one, the commission could still approve an increase.

I think we need to be clear: we deserve equal treatment to every other state employee.

The amendment I cosponsored today would guarantee that whenever there is a general salary freeze on state salaries, legislator salaries would also be frozen.

We all feel the effects of this recession, and we all need to do our part to get the state moving again.  This is one tiny step, but I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

You can find out more about the details at the Legislature's website.