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Council raises several constitutional officers; attorney general moved to $190,000; governor’s increase not finalized
Summary
After extended debate, the council approved a staggered increase to raise the attorney general’s salary to $190,000 and set adjusted targets for the auditor and secretary of state, but multiple proposals to raise the governor’s pay failed and no final governor salary was set.
The Compensation Council moved through constitutional‑officer pay after a lengthy discussion of philosophical and practical considerations about recruitment, optics and fiscal context.
Key actions and outcomes:
- Attorney General: The council approved a motion to phase the attorney general’s salary up to $190,000 over two steps. Supporters argued higher pay broadens candidate pools and aligns the office with national comparators; opponents cited the state’s projected budget shortfall. The staggered approach was intended to smooth the transition.
- State Auditor and Secretary of State: The council adopted an inflationary path for the auditor (approx. $132,750 then $137,358) and later agreed on a higher target for the secretary of state (moved by amendment to a $145,000 second‑year target), with the increases allocated across the two years to reduce immediate budget shock.
- Lieutenant Governor: Members approved the inflation‑plus approach for the lieutenant governor position roughly in line with the adopted method (moving from about $101k to $105k over two years).
- Governor: Several motions proposing governor salary increases (including $200,000, $205,000 and $220,000 targets in staged steps) were brought and each failed in roll call. The council did not adopt a new governor salary at this meeting.
Why it matters: Constitutional officer pay affects who can afford to run for statewide office and has public‑facing optics. The attorney general decision was especially consequential because of the office’s scale and visibility.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the exact dollar conversions and timing for inclusion in the draft report. The governor’s salary remains open for future action.
