The state’s Citizens Compensation Committee voted today to give lawmakers a fivepercent salary increase. The commission had previously cut elected officials' pay by nearly 25 percent over the last four years.
Former State Senator Gary Hart testified at the meeting in favor of a raise:
“Due to term limits, legislative service is a career interrupter for strong candidates. And if you don’t have an attractive and competitive salary we lose many capable candidates.”
California legislators are among the highest paid in the country. They earn a base salary of more than $90,000, with an extra $25,000-to-$30,000 in per diem expense income.
The Governor currently makes more than $165,000 -down from $212,000 before the recession.
The pay increase goes into effect in December. It does not impact the state’s General Fund.
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