In case you were wondering what yesterday’s special session on meandered waters cost, here’s a breakdown provided to me by one of the legislators in attendance:
16 thoughts on “In case you were wondering what yesterday cost”
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01 May, 2024
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$142 per legislator. Considering session lasted SOME 10 hours, the $14.20 per hour wage seems like a hecka of a deal.
I agree. We do things right in SD.
No complaints from me.
I’m guessing that the revenue from those using these waters will make up for this.
I wasn’t. 🙂
Legislators should have to work for an average SD wage. That is our thought.
What is the average SD wage?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sd.htm), the May 2016 median hourly wage for all occupations was $15.19; the average (mean) hourly wage for the same month was $19.27.
To clarify, these are South Dakota numbers.
As someone who’s planning to move his family to SD, I’ve been watching this, and other, events unfold with a keen interest. Things are so refreshing compared to our home state of Illinois, it’s rather quite encouraging to be honest 🙂
Welcome, Chris! There’s a lot to like in South Dakota. Good people.
Just an FYI
Legislators get paid $6,000 per year. That hasn’t changed since 1998.
They are reimbursed 05¢ per mile at the beginning of session and end of session.
(42¢ per mile for other trips)
The 142.00/day this is to pay for is the standard per diem rate. This is to pay for hotel, laundry, food, etc. while we are in session, or on official state business.
Pat if Legislative pay had just kept up with inflation it would be around $11,000 a year now.
My best explanation of this is not printable…..
That is a lot of fish….
Legislators only pay their staff $14.00 per hour?
LRC pays the interns and pages. Technically most legislators don’t have a single staff member.
No interns or pages this time. We had to get up and get our own coffee, water, whatever.