Bill would dock lawmakers a day's pay for failing to vote

Wed. Jan. 28, 05:17pm EST

A state representative wants to dock lawmakers a day's pay if an unexcused absence causes them to miss a vote on legislation that reaches the floor of the House or Senate.

"I think it's just a matter of right and wrong," Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, said Tuesday before the House Government Committee. "If you're working, you should get paid, and if you're not working, you shouldn't get paid."

Saying he's tired of seeing colleagues miss votes they consider unimportant, Weiers calls in HB 2127 for lawmakers to lose an amount not less than $175 for each day they miss a floor vote. Those lawmakers also would be listed on the Legislature's Web site as failing to vote.

from http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/01/27/20090127cns-novote0127-ON.html

I think that's an awesome idea. Too bad this is just at the state (Arizona) level instead of congressional. Obviously you should be able to abstain from votes if you so choose, but at least be present if you want your paycheck.

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Jerry Weisenfeld Wed. Jan. 28, 05:22pm EST#1

I think this is a great idea too! Maybe other states will follow Arizona's lead on this~

Chris Stearns Wed. Jan. 28, 09:10pm EST#2

Absolutely.

To add to that...I've long advocated some kind of "unexcused absence" limit like we had in college...miss too many days of a class, and you fail due to absence (the dreaded FA). Too many days not showing up to vote, you not only lose some pay, you get replaced.

Andrew Chupp Thu. Jan. 29, 09:00am EST#3

Representatives not showing up to vote is a serious problem. I won't get into the technical details, but some of my recent research (not related to absences, but recognizing them) shows that non-voting isn't correlated with the issues. In other words, they aren't skipping votes that they view as unimportant, they're just not showing up.

David Shockey Thu. Jan. 29, 09:44am EST#4

I'm not so sure that we shouldn't be doing the opposite - pay them NOT to vote.

"This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer." - Will Rogers

Jennifer Foster Thu. Jan. 29, 11:19pm EST#5

When I worked in the Legislature, it was called "taking a walk"' -- i.e., Sen. X won't vote against the bill; he's just going to take a walk during the vote.

Sen. X would then have to take a phone call or answer nature's call -- mysteriously, just as the vote was being taken.

I like the idea of fining them for not voting. If there's a reason for the absence, let's get it on the record for constituents and let them be the judge of its validity. Otherwise, maybe it will encourage them to find their backbone on tough issues.

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