24 Jan 2019

Pay hike proposed for American Samoa lawmakers

3:32 pm on 24 January 2019

A legislator in American Samoa is seeking a $10,000 pay increase for Fono leaders, senators and representatives.

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Photo: 123rf

Faimealelei Anthony Allen has introduced a bill which would hike the annual salary of the Senate President and House Speaker from $US30,000 to $US40,000, senators and representatives from $US25,000 to $US35,000 and the salary of the Swains Delegate in the House from $US20,00 to $US30,000.

The bill does not provide a funding source for the salary hike.

The bill would take effect on the first day of the next legislature which would be the start of 2021.

The law prohibits a sitting legislature from approving a salary increase for themselves.

In addition to their salaries, Fono leaders also receive an expense allowance of $US40,000 per year while members receive $US30,000 per year.