A new proposal in the House would raise legislative pay by about $10,000 annually by linking pay levels to that of teachers.

Rep. Virgil Peck, R-Tyro, introduced House Bill 2470, which he said would address the fact that lawmakers haven't had a raise since 2009.

"H.B. 2740 is a topic that many many legislators during my 10-year legislative career have said needs to be addressed," Peck told his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee, adding that lawmakers had been hesitant to do so for political reasons. "Legislators' pay in the state of Kansas should be increased."

Under the bill, lawmakers would earn 80 percent of what the average teacher earns in a single day, meaning pay would fluctuate annually if teacher pay varies.

Based on current figures, the raise would amount to approximately $10,000 more per year, appropriations chairman Rep. Marc Rhoades calculated, after Peck indicated he hadn't computed the figure. The raise would take effect for lawmakers elected in 2016.

"We aren't voting to raise our salary, we're voting to raise the salary of future legislators," Peck said. "I may not be here, you may not be here."

Lawmakers have earned $88.66 per day during the 90-day session since 2009. Together with their biweekly interim compensation of $354.15, they earn about $14,700 a year. Peck's proposal would increase total compensation to about $25,000.

Peck said tying compensation to teacher salaries would have the effect of making lawmakers reflect on educators' earnings.

"The primary reason is," Peck said, "I think by doing this it will keep in front of legislators constantly exactly how low the pay of teachers is."

At the same time, he said, legislators get a "sweet deal" on retirement benefits that isn't appropriate. He said some lawmakers can earn $85,000 a year in retirement benefits.

Peck said his bill would reduce Kansas Public Employees Retirement System benefits for lawmakers to reflect their actual salary, while offering better pay in the short term.

"This would expand the number of people who would be willing and/or could serve," he said. "I would say we're a full-time Legislature."

The bill prompted discussion from the panel on whether there were other ways to address the issue.

Rep. Richard Carlson suggested the Legislature could retain its current pay level but only meet every other year — a change that would require a constitutional amendment.

Rep. Marvin Kleeb asked Peck whether he would support the idea of having regular 90-day sessions every other year and shorter 60-day sessions the other years. Peck said he would support it, but legislative pay should still be increased.