The bill stipulates that no allowances will be payable during a defined period starting 90 days after the enactment of a biennial budget that includes pay raises for public employees. This period ends when the Joint Committee on Employment Relations takes action on the increase. There is a provision to ensure any allowances accrued during this time will be paid in a timely manner once the committee acts on the compensation increase. The intent behind the bill is to hold legislators accountable and to ensure that any raises for public employees are considered before salary allowances for legislators are disbursed.
Summary
Assembly Bill 996 establishes provisions concerning per diem and mileage allowances for legislators in Wisconsin. This bill is significant as it modifies how allowances are distributed during certain periods, specifically in relation to increases in compensation for public employees. Under current laws, legislators receive transportation allowances weekly and per diem allowances monthly; however, this bill imposes a restriction on these payments if a biennial budget that increases public employee compensation is enacted.
Contention
Notably, this bill aims to enhance accountability among legislators by linking their compensation to the actions regarding public employee pay. Proponents may argue that it promotes fiscal responsibility, ensuring that legislators do not receive allowances at times when they are not actively making contributions due to compensation considerations affecting their role. However, there may also be concerns raised by those who view this as a potential restraint on necessary allowances for legislators engaging in legislative duties, especially during recess periods following budget approvals.
States findings of the Legislature and encourages the Citizens' Committee on Legislative Compensation to reduce the compensation and expense allowances for legislators serving in the Sixty-ninth Idaho Legislature.