Legislators' pay gets cut off today

The 2009 Legislature is now past the half-way mark. And today, the 61st day of 120, salaries for the 63 lawmakers are cut off.

Historically, the Legislature was limited to 60 days. The Nevada Constitution limited their pay to that number of days in an attempt to convince them to finish their business in that time.

When the length of session was changed to 120 days, the provision limiting pay was left intact.

For those who ran for election in 2008, daily pay is $146.29.

Since elected officials can't get raises until they win re-election, hold-over senators have been receiving $137.90.

That, however, doesn't mean lawmakers will receive no other compensation through the end of the session. Each of them will continue to receive $167 a day for expenses.

In addition, each lawmakers can get up to $10,000 during the session in reimbursement for travel expenses.

Southern Nevada lawmakers are allowed to use some of that total to offset the cost of renting an apartment in Carson City.

Legislative Counsel Bureau Director Lorne Malkiewich said legislative pay is tied to the pay state workers receive.

He said they received a bump up when this year's 4 percent raises for state employees took effect.

He said that link works both ways so, if the Legislature decides to follow the governor's recommendation and lower state worker pay, lawmakers will see their salaries drop by the same percentage.

He said even with the per diem and expense budgets, Nevada lawmakers are among the lowest paid in the nation.