Early election results show the outcome is unclear for Measure 116, which would create a commission to set any salaries for state employees.

According to the Secretary of State, 51% of voters supported Measure 116, compared to nearly 49% against.

Measure 116 would create an independent commission with the power to set the salaries of the governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, labor commissioner, as well as district attorneys, state senators and state representatives. Many have some of the lowest salaries among their peers nationally. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum earns less than any other attorney general; Gov. Tina Kotek only earns more than the governors of Maine, Colorado and Arizona; and Treasurer Tobias Read and Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade each earn less than their counterparts everywhere except Wisconsin and Arizona.

Two years ago, three Democratic legislators — then-Reps. Karin Power, Rachel Prusak and Anna Williams — announced they would not seek further terms because the pay, then about $33,000 a year, was too low.

In theory, being an Oregon state legislator is a part-time job, with legislators meeting for 35 days in even-numbered years and up to 160 days in odd-numbered years. But the work involves long hours otherwise, with lawmakers serving on task forces, meeting with constituents and crafting legislation when the Legislature is not in session.

The lawmaker’s salary has increased in recent years and, starting in January, will be $43,434 annually. Lawmakers also earn a daily or per diem allowance of about $178 to cover board and lodging on days the Legislature is in session.

Supporters, including former Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, said creating a commission would professionalize the process, while former Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, a Bend Republican, said it should be at the discretion of Oregonians to set the salary of elected officials.

Only one person filed a statement against Measure 116 in the Voter’s Booklet. Noah Robinson, the Republican candidate for Southern Oregon’s 2nd Senate District and son of retiring Sen. Art Robinson, said that in creating a commission, lawmakers and the governor would receive more payments but not take responsibility for it. .

If passed, the commission could set salaries and automatically appropriate the money needed to pay those salaries from the state’s general fund without legislative approval. If it fails, the Legislature would continue to set wages.