What is the base salary for members of the Texas state legislature and how can it be adjusted? What are the arguments for and against higher legislative pay?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify that the base salary is set at $7,200 by the constitution and can only be changed by popular vote through constitutional amendment.
2. Explain that low pay limits the pool of potential candidates and legislators and thereby hurts representation.
3. Explain that potential legislators know the salary, that legislative service can be beneficial in other ways, and that legislators receive excellent retirement benefits.