Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Pay Raises for Themselves and State Officials—Then Scramble to Walk Back Votes

Baton Rouge, LA — May 12, 2026 — In a politically charged move that left some lawmakers scrambling to distance themselves from the vote, the Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill Monday that would increase compensation for state legislators and statewide elected officials—only to see five members later attempt to retract their support before the measure could advance. The legislation, which would raise salaries for the governor and other constitutional officers, passed 54-35 but faced immediate backlash as the election cycle heats up.

—

Why This Vote Sparks Controversy

The approved bill, House Bill 1201, sponsored by Rep. John Illg (R-Harahan), aims to address long-standing concerns about the affordability of public service in Louisiana. Currently, the state’s governor earns $130,000 annually, a figure that has not been adjusted in two decades. Under the proposed changes, the governor’s salary would rise to $182,000—a 39.2% increase—while other statewide elected officials would see their pay jump to $156,000, up from $115,000.

Critics argue the raises are excessive in a state grappling with economic challenges, including rising outmigration and stagnant wages for many residents. Bruce Reilly, deputy director of Voters Organized To Educate (VOTE), called the proposal “a huge raise for a state that has a lot of problems,” noting concerns over education funding, environmental pollution, and workforce shortages.

“With people moving out of state and toxic chemicals polluting our air, I feel like even if those things were going great, $83,000 is a lot to give a raise to your governor,” Reilly said during a committee hearing last week. “This isn’t just about the governor—it’s about setting a tone for what we value as a state.”

—

The Vote Flip: A Rare and Chaotic Reversal

What made Monday’s session unusual was the rapid reversal of support. Within hours of the 54-35 approval, five lawmakers—Kellee Hennessy Dickerson (R-Denham Springs), Terry Landry (D-Baton Rouge), Ed Larvadain (D-Alexandria), Dustin Miller (D-Opelousas), and Tammy Phelps (D-Shreveport)—formally requested to change their votes from “yes” to “no.” Their reasoning? Political pressure ahead of the 2026 election cycle, where incumbent legislators face scrutiny over spending decisions.

However, Louisiana House rules do not allow revised votes to alter the fate of a bill once it has passed. House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson (R-Pineville) clarified that the initial 54-35 vote stood, meaning HB 1201 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“Had those five lawmakers originally voted ‘no,’ the bill would have failed,” Johnson said. “But as some learned today, the clock doesn’t stop just because someone changes their mind.”

—

What’s Next for the Bill?

The legislation now faces a critical hurdle: the Louisiana Senate. If approved there, it would require Governor Jeff Landry’s (R) signature to become law. Landry has not publicly commented on the proposal, but his office has previously emphasized priorities around economic development and workforce housing—issues that some argue are more pressing than salary adjustments.

Opponents, including Rep. Charles Owen (D-Rosepine), have vowed to fight the bill in the Senate. “I can’t vote for this and stare my constituents in the face,” Owen said. “We’re asking teachers, nurses, and first responders to do more with less. It’s unfair to ask them to accept that while we give ourselves raises.”

Proponents, like Rep. Illg, defend the measure as necessary to attract and retain qualified leaders. “Statewide elected officials haven’t seen a pay raise in 20 years,” Illg said. “This isn’t about greed—it’s about making sure we can hold down a full-time job while serving our state.”

—

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Louisiana

• Political Timing: The vote occurred just weeks before the 2026 election, raising questions about whether lawmakers are prioritizing re-election concerns over policy.
• Public Perception: Polling suggests Louisiana voters are divided, with many viewing the raises as out of step with the state’s economic struggles.
• Senate Battle Ahead: The bill’s fate now rests with the Senate, where leadership may push for amendments or a full rejection.
• Broader Context: Louisiana is not alone in facing debates over public official compensation. Similar discussions are underway in at least 12 other states this year.

—

FAQ: Your Questions About Louisiana’s Pay Raise Debate

1. How much would the governor’s salary increase under HB 1201?

The governor’s salary would rise from $130,000 to $182,000 annually—a 39.2% increase.

2. Would lawmakers also get raises?

Yes. The bill includes additional per diem for legislators, allowing them to collect a $178 daily stipend on non-session days, on top of their current $16,800 annual salary.

3. Could the bill still fail?

Yes. The Senate could reject it, amend it down, or send it back to the House for further debate.

4. Why are some lawmakers trying to walk back their votes?

Five representatives requested to change their votes from “yes” to “no” after realizing the political fallout of supporting the raises ahead of elections. However, House rules prevent such changes from altering the bill’s status.

5. What’s the next step?

The bill moves to the Louisiana Senate for a vote. If approved there, it would go to Governor Landry for his signature.

—

Looking Ahead: Will Louisiana’s Leaders Get Their Pay Raises?

As HB 1201 advances, the debate over public compensation in Louisiana will intensify. With the state facing economic pressures and a tight election cycle, the question isn’t just whether salaries will rise—but whether voters will see the move as a necessary adjustment or a self-serving overreach.

One thing is clear: In Louisiana’s political landscape, where every vote counts and every dollar matters, this bill is far from settled.