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Citizens panel looks to deny pay raise for Gov. Ferguson

Citizens panel looks to deny pay raise for Gov. Ferguson

Photo: Saga Communications/Ellie Coberly


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Gov. Bob Ferguson may not be getting a pay raise in the coming years.

The Washington State Standard reports that a citizens panel is recommending the governor and state attorney general receive no raise for the next two years.

The independent commission has set pay rates for the state’s elected officials since voters created it in 1987 to end the practice of politicians deciding their own pay.

It comes after the governor and attorney general each secured 14% raises over two years from the last round of salary setting in 2024. Ferguson currently makes $234,275 per year, which ranks seventh among governors in all 50 states.

The panel also recommended 2% raises in each of the next two years for state lawmakers, the superintendent of public schools, treasurer and commissioner of public lands.

Meanwhile, the offices of the secretary of state, insurance commissioner and state auditor would each get 5% raises under the recommendations.

The commission will take feedback on its recommendations over the next four months before making a final decision on Feb. 10.

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