LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) - Michigan's governor and other statewide elected officers deserve a raise, this according to a state panel.
The State Officers Compensation Commission recommended the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state get their salaries bumped up 10%.
That would take them back to where they were when a 10% cut was imposed seven years ago.
The Elected Officers Compensation Commission is also recommending state Supreme Court justices get their first raises since 2002.
The governor's salary would go up to $177,600.
The lieutenant governor bumps up to almost $124,000. The attorney general and secretary of state get $1,000 more than that.
Supreme Court justices would rise to a little more than $181,000.
The panel did not recommend any change for senators and representatives. They make a little more than $71,000.
It’s a move Elizabeth Shorter says she's alright with.
“It doesn't bother me just as long as we see increases in other areas like schools, roads, and urban areas,” said Shorter.
Due to the ‘state’ of our state, it’s making it difficult for others to feel the same way.
“They could be doing a whole lot more with our state,” said Brad Covert, who isn’t in favor of a pay raise. “Especially with the roads which is probably our number one problem right now.”
Senator Rick Jones tells FOX 47 News he'll vote no on a pay increase. He says that's money that could be used elsewhere.
State Representative Andy Schor agrees.
“I can’t in good conscience support a 10% pay increase when we are making cuts for our police and fire, teachers, seniors, and other folks here in Lansing or throughout the state,” said Schor.
At a recycling conference Friday in East Lansing, Governor Snyder said he had no problem with the raise.
He wouldn't see it anyways because it wouldn't take effect until 2019, after he's out of office.
“They're restoring a cut that took place a long time ago and are catching up basically by 10% to 11% after nothing’s happened for eight years,” said Snyder. “That doesn't appear unreasonable to me.”
Unreasonable or not, it'll be some time before a decision is made. We don't know when the house and senate will vote on those increases.
FOX 47 News will let you know when they're put on the schedule.
Members of the State Officers Compensation Commission, appointed by Governor Synder say, they made today's decision to attract quality public servants.
