Bill would more than triple lawmaker pay in Louisiana

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Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay raise if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 since 1980. Marino said when you compare salaries from 40 years ago, it would average more than $60,000 today for the part-time position.

“It’s absolutely an increase in salary but it’s an adjustment based upon the cost of living so that you can afford to be a legislator,” said Marino.

Marino said he’s not filing the legislation to line his own pockets because he wouldn’t even be eligible for the pay increase due to term limits. He said he’s doing it to encourage more qualified individuals to run for office.

“If you tell them that the pay is $16,800 and you’re going to be tied up in Baton Rouge anywhere from three to six months, and that’s when you’re in session. It’s cost prohibited for people to do this job,” said Marino.

In addition to the annual regular legislative session, lawmakers are also required to come to the capitol for special sessions. Since being elected in 2016, Marino said he’s been called to Baton Rouge 19 times. He said it’s a part-time job that not everyone can fiscally perform due to the demands.

“Or are we only going to have retired people or very wealthy people that are state representatives or senators? That’s my concern,” said Marino.

If passed the pay raise would go into effect in January 2024.

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