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House adopts formula tying lieutenant governor pay to 95% of governor’s salary
Summary
First substitute HB115 sets the lieutenant governor’s salary at 95% of the governor’s, citing recruitment and evolving duties; a motion to replace the percentage with fixed dollar amounts failed and the House approved the bill 55‑11.
The House approved first substitute House Bill 115, which establishes the lieutenant governor’s salary as 95 percent of the governor’s pay. Sponsor Representative LeVar Christiansen said the change recognizes the growth of the lieutenant governor’s duties and helps maintain a competitive pool of candidates.
"This bill raises the salary of the lieutenant governor," Christiansen said, arguing the office’s role has expanded beyond election functions and now forms an operational partnership with the governor. He said a 95 percent formula — previously used for the attorney general — helps ensure the office is not a deterrent to qualified candidates.
Members asked about the role of the Executive Compensation Commission and a fiscal note (some members noted a $2,222,500 figure in the fiscal material). Representative Cox moved to substitute fixed dollar amounts ($90,000 and $98,000) in place of the percentage; the motion failed. Christiansen defended the formula, saying it avoids repeated revisits each year and reflects the office’s unique relationship with the governor. After final debate the House passed the bill 55‑11; it will go to the Senate.
