OLYMPIA — State agency heads and the governor’s senior staff won’t be getting cost of living raises this year.
Gov. Chris Gregoire sent a letter today announcing the decision that affects 84 people, including a few boards and commission members. Gregoire says that the decision wasn’t made because they don’t deserve the raises. She says the increase in pay is “not appropriate” because of the country’s current economic struggles.
The move is expected to save the state $160,000.
Gregoire’s pay raise is unable to be canceled because it’s set by a commission. The governor’s salary is set to go from $163,618 to $166,891. She says she’ll donate that $3,273 to a food bank.
The raises were set to take effect Monday.
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