Legislative Per Diem Raise Advances To General Session; Pay Raise Vote Delayed

Wyoming Legislators could make more for the work they do.

About 1 month ago, the Legislative Management Subcommittee on Legislator Compensation, voted to increase legislator salaries and per diem rates, plus allow them to participate in the state employee group health insurance program.

Last week, the Legislature Management Council voted to advance the per diem issue to the full legislature, but postponed the vote on the salaries until the next meeting in December.

If passed the salaries would take effect in 2027, and it would be the first time legislators have received a pay increase since 2005.

Currently lawmakers get $150 a dollars a day, for each day of the legislative general and budget sessions, including weekends.

The raise would put the new rate at $230 a day.

The per diem increase would take effect in 2024, and rates would increase from $109 a day to $155.

The Wyoming Constitution prohibits current lawmakers from raising their own salaries, but can do so for future lawmakers.

The 2023 Wyoming Legislature 8-week General Session is scheduled to begin on January 10th.