Pay raise for California lawmakers, elected officials is granted

The San Jose Mercury reports:

In a move to restore deep cuts to pay and perks during the Great Recession, California lawmakers and statewide elected officers will get 3 percent raises at the end of this year, a panel appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown decided Monday.

The decision comes a few days before Brown is scheduled to roll out his revised budget proposal, and as the state enjoys higher-than-estimated tax revenues.

The Citizens Compensation Commission voted 4-0 for the pay hikes, as well as restore 10 percent cuts in health, dental and vision benefits imposed during the recession. The new salaries still don't approach the all-time, pre-recession highs, but critics were quick to question whether legislators deserved the pay hike.


Assembly members and state senators -- who already were the nation's highest-paid state lawmakers -- will earn $100,113 per year, up from $97,197, though a few in leadership positions earn more; lawmakers also earn a $142 tax-free "per diem" payment for each day that they're in Sacramento on legislative business. Brown's salary will rise from $177,467 to $182,791 per year.

It's for the children.