OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma state legislators — who earn $38,400 annually plus benefits and expenses — won't be getting a raise any time soon.
The Legislative Compensation Board voted 7-1 on Tuesday for the base pay, retirement and benefits package for Oklahoma's senators and House members to stay in place. Former Republican state Sen. Charles Ford of Tulsa was the lone dissenting vote. Ford urged the panel to consider hiking the base pay for legislators to $44,000 annually. The board meets every two years.
According to Oklahoma's Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Oklahoma ranks No. 16 in the nation for its salary and per diem reimbursement.
In addition to their base pay, state legislators receive a monthly health benefit allowance of $640.98 and an optional retirement benefit with eight years to vest.