Senator Schaaf Leads Senate in Rejecting the Citizens Commission on Compensation Recommendation Regarding Legislator Pay 

JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, handled House Committee Resolution 4, whic blocks the automatic pay increase for elected officials.

Senator Schaaf led the Missouri Senate in rejecting the Citizens Commission on Compensation. The Commission had recommended an 11 percent increase for legislators and elected officials.

“It is absurd that the legislature would increase its pay when so many constituents and taxpayers around the state are still hurting, many of which haven’t seen a raise in years.” Schaaf said.   

The Missouri Constitution requires the Citizens' Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials to meet every two years to evaluate the need for increased pay for elected officials. This year the commission suggested 11 percent pay raises in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for the state’s elected officials. That amounts to approximately a $4,000 increase for legislators, and a $20,000 increase for the governor. Under the Missouri Constitution, the pay increase recommendations take effect automatically unless two-thirds of the General Assembly approves a concurrent resolution to reject the recommendations by February 1, 2015.

House Committee Resolution 4 did however receive some resistance as three senators threatened to filibuster the resolution. Senator Schaaf responded with the threat of a P.Q. Motion, a senate rule used to close debate. After much discussion and debate, a consensus was reached and the Senators threating a filibuster stood down. At the end of the day a roll call vote was taken. On a vote of 31 – 3 the legislation passed, resulting in elected officials not receiving increased compensation.

To read more about Sen. Schaaf’s legislative efforts, visit www.senate.mo.gov/schaaf.