State elected officials get raises July 1, but Insurance Commissioner is giving his away
While many state employees are facing furloughs or canceled raises, statewide elected officials will get raises on July 1. But State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says he’ll donate his scheduled salary increase to the Thurston County Food Bank.
“State government, like businesses in Washington, are facing tough financial conditions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,” Kreidler said in a press release. “I cannot in good conscience justify accepting a pay increase at this time. And although I am not allowed by law to decline the higher pay set by the salary commission, I can make sure the money goes to a charitable organization that does so much to help those in need.”
The salary raises were set in 2019 by the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials.
The raises for 498 elected officials in the state take effect July 1. The commission increased Kreidler’s salary to $137,700 from $132,600 in October.
He said he’ll donate the increase to the food bank through the state’s Combined Fund Drive. That program allows state employees and retirees to make charitable donations through payroll contributions and fundraising events.
Kreidler’s press release said: “His office will join the effort to deal with state government’s budget deficit over the next two years.”
Last week the state said revenue could decline by $8.8 billion through mid 2023.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced that roughly 40,000 state employees will be required to take a weekly furlough day from now through July 25, and a monthly furlough day after that.
He also told state agencies under his authority to cancel a 3 percent pay raise that applies to about 5,600 employees that make more than $53,000 a year.
