(MONTGOMERY, Ala.) - Several Republican legislators are working on a plan to lower the Legislature's compensation.
Senators Phil Williams and Bryan Taylor and Representative Mike Ball are writing a proposed constitutional amendment that would repeal the 61 percent increase the Legislature gave itself in 2007.
It would tie legislators' salaries to Alabama's median household income, and
legislators would get the same travel reimbursement as state employees.
Taylor said it would reduce the compensation for a basic legislative year from more than $52,000 to less than $44,000.
Williams said it's like merit pay. If the Legislature helps improve the economy and raise the household income, then lawmakers get more pay.
If the Legislature approves the plan, it will be on the November ballot for voter approval and will take effect in 2014 legislative elections.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
