With the North Dakota Legislature's session nearing its end, lawmakers narrowly decided to give themselves a pay raise.

The increases, which apply to three different pay categories, are similar to the 4 percent compensation increase granted to full-time state government workers.

Higher legislative compensation is crucial to making it more attractive for younger people to run for the House or Senate, said Rep. Darrell Nottestad, R-Grand Forks.

"This is a small start but it is a start, and I hope this will continue on in the future, so that we can provide everyone and anyone who wishes to run the opportunity of doing so," Nottestad said.

Representatives voted 49-44 on Monday to approve the pay package. Bills in the North Dakota House need a minimum of 48 votes to pass.

Shortly afterward, the state Senate approved the measure by voice vote. A recorded vote was not taken because senators had already endorsed an identical bill, 36-11, on April 6.

Rep. Phillip Mueller, D-Valley City, opposed the increase.

"We're not all out here about pay raises. I don't think we are," Mueller said. "But we send a bad message when we do this."

The bill would increase legislative pay during sessions from $875 to $910 weekly, effective July 1. The amount would increase again, to $945 weekly, in July 2008.

Legislators are also paid $350 monthly while they are in office. The legislation would raise the monthly wage to $364 on July 1, and to $378 in July 2008.