Iowa House bill proposes $10K raise for state lawmakers, Gov. Kim Reynolds. Here's why:

Iowa's governor, statewide elected officials such as the attorney general and state auditor, and members of the Iowa Legislature would each receive a $10,000 raise next year, under a bill in the Iowa House.

If passed, it would be the first pay increase for statewide elected officials since 2005 and the first for lawmakers since 2007.

A three-member House subcommittee voted Tuesday to advance House Study Bill 750. The measure would also include annual cost of living increases for statewide officials and state legislators.

Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, who served on the subcommittee said "it's lousy" for politicians to talk about voting for a pay raise, even though it would not take effect until next year, after voters have a chance to choose new legislators in this fall's election.

But Holt supported the bill because he said without a pay increase "the makeup of the Legislature is going to look very different in the years to come."

"The unfortunate reality we face is do we want our Legislature made up of a bunch of rich folks and retired folks?" he said. "Because that’ll be the only ones that can afford to serve up here. Or do we want the representation of the Legislature to be based upon the people of Iowa?"

Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, agreed with Holt.

"I think that we want a representative government," he said. "There are plenty of talented people around this state, and my hope is that this legislation will help them serve their communities."

Several House lawmakers have used retirement speeches this spring to call for raising legislators' pay in the future. Rep. Phil Thompson, R-Boone, who is 33, is leaving the Iowa House after this year. He said he can't afford to continue to serve as a representative while he and his wife are expecting their first child, Radio Iowa reported.

It's unclear whether the legislation will pass this year. Rep. Joel Fry, R-Osceola, said the bill is not agreed to by Gov. Kim Reynolds or Senate Republicans.

"We’ll see where we go with the Senate and governor’s office," he said during the subcommittee.

A spokesperson for Reynolds declined to comment.

Reynolds currently receives a salary of $130,000 per year, while Attorney General Brenna Bird makes more than $123,000, and all other statewide elected officials make just over $103,000.

Iowa representatives and senators make $25,000 per year, aside from the leaders in each chamber, who make $37,500.

Legislators also receive per-diem payments for travel and lodging for 100 days during even-numbered years and 110 days during odd-numbered years.

The per-diem rate for lawmakers is $178 per day, which adds up to $17,800 for the 100 days of this year's legislative session. Polk County lawmakers receive a per-diem rate of $133.50. Lawmakers are also reimbursed for mileage at 50 cents per mile.

A separate bill that advanced Tuesday, House Study Bill 749, would require lawmakers to meet to adopt a new pay matrix for legislative staff.

How much will Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa lawmakers make if pay increase passes?

If the salary increases take effect, here's what Iowa's statewide elected officials would make, beginning in 2025.

• Governor: $140,000

• Attorney general: $133,669

• Lieutenant governor: $113,212

• Secretary of state: $113,212

• State auditor: $113,212

• Treasurer: $113,212

• Secretary of agriculture: $113,212

Here's how much Iowa lawmakers would make next year, if the bill becomes law.

• Iowa representative: $35,000

• Iowa senator: $35,000

• Speaker of the House: $47,500

• House majority leader: $47,500

• House minority leader: $47,500

• Senate president: $47,500

• Senate majority leader: $47,500

• Senate minority leader: $47,500

• Senate president pro tempore: $37,000

• House speaker pro tempore: $37,000

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa House bill proposes $10K raise for state lawmakers, Kim Reynolds