Compensation Commission                           2625

they also receive an additional $35 per diem compensation for attending.
Legislative Council meetings or subcommittees thereof plus expenses.*
The average total compensation (salary and Legislative Council per diem,,
excluding expense reimbursement per diem) received by members at the
1970 General Assembly session, including the preceding Legislative Council!
session, was $3,122; with per diem expense reimbursement added on, the
average total amount was $4,872.

All of these statistics with respect to the existing system of compensa-
tion have been carefully considered by the Commission in view of the
language of Article III, Section 15(5) of the Constitution, which states:

"In no event shall the compensation and allowances be less than
they were prior to the ratification of this Constitutional Amendment."

Legislative leaders and State government officials who either testified
before the Commission or responded to our letter mailed to all legislators
varied in their detailed recommendations, but they generally agreed that
the present compensation is low in relation to (1) legislative and consti-
tuent responsibilities and (2) actual hours committed to completing those
responsibilities. Their recommendations ranged from $10,000 to $25,000.

The Commission believes that a $2,400 annual salary is inappropriate
for General Assembly service in the 1970s. The traditional concept of a
"citizen legislature" (wherein, in contrast to the United States Congress,
members serve during a limited length session and have other employment)
is being challenged more each year by the volume and complexity of
problems facing a State assembly. This Commission believes that Maryland
is in a transitional stage and that it should move in the direction of more
professionalism in the administration and procedures of the General As-
sembly. Although this transition has not brought the Legislature to a
full-time "professional" branch of government,** we believe that an $11,000
salary is realistic because of (1) the increased demands upon legislators'
time by year-round duties on the Legislative Council and in committee,
(2) the increased complexity and volume of business transacted each year
by the General Assembly, and (3) the trend toward increased profes-
sionalism in the management and functioning of this branch of Maryland
government.

This Commission cannot overemphasize the continuing need in this
State for highly motivated and competent citizens to serve in the General
Assembly. While salary is not and should not be the major motivation for
any public service, inadequate compensation can be a factor in discourag-
ing able men and women from seeking election to the legislature and in
many cases making it impossible for them to serve. It is, therefore, of the
utmost importance that the allowable compensation be at least such an
amount as will make it possible for able men and women with strong
motivation for public service to render such service in the General Assem-
bly. It is particularly important because it is to the able and conscientious
young men and women of today that the State must look for the leadership
of tomorrow and, yet, it is on just such young people that the financial

* The actual total compensation and expense reimbursement has been as high as
$9,096, in at least one case.

** It has come to the attention of the Commission that a small number of Legisla-
tors hold salaried positions with the State of Maryland or with political subdivisions of
the State, presumably receiving a leave of absence from such employment during the
legislative session. The Commission believes that such practice should be discontinued
and urges the General Assembly to give consideration to this recommendation, partic-
ularly in light of the increased compensation recommended in the resolution.