Panel Approves 2 Percent Pay Raise For California Lawmakers, Officials
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- A citizens' commission has approved 2 percent cost-of-living salary increases for lawmakers and statewide officials, including the governor and attorney general.
The increase approved Friday is the second consecutive annual pay raise.
A year ago, the California Citizens Compensation Commission voted to give raises of about 5 percent.
That decision will increase the pay of rank-and-file lawmakers, which at $95,291 are already the highest in the nation. Legislators also are eligible for a $163 daily cost-of-living allowance, but do not get pensions.
During the recession, the commission cut lawmakers' pay by 18 percent and eliminated their state-owned vehicles. Now the state's finances are improving.
The commissioners are appointed by the governor, who currently is paid nearly $174,000 a year.
The commission supported the increase on a 4-1 vote.
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