The Alaska Senate has voted unanimously against a proposal from a state commission that would have linked legislative and executive branch salaries to an inflation index. The Senate, by passing Senate Bill 87, will keep salaries stagnant for the political class of state employees.
SB 87 rejects recommendations made by the State Officers Compensation Commission. The commission had proposed automatic salary adjustments every two years, tied to the Anchorage Consumer Price Index, beginning after the 2026 state election. Salaries could go up, or even down, depending on the CPI.
SB 87 will be considered in the House, where it is also expected to be passed, putting a knife in the salary proposal for at least another two years.
Currently, Alaska legislators earn an annual salary of $84,000, as well as per diem payments of about $37,000 for most members, except for the three who reside in Juneau. The governor is paid $176,000, the lieutenant governor earns around $140,000, and department commissioners are paid approximately $168,000. Executive branch salaries have remained the same since 2011.
The salary commission was attempting to insulate politically sensitive positions from political winds of the day.
Past commission proposals have met varying fates. In 2009 and 2011, legislative inaction allowed salary increases for legislators, department heads, the governor, and the lieutenant governor to take effect. However, the Legislature rejected executive salary increases recommended in 2014. A 2016 policy permitting deputy commissioners to retain higher salaries upon promotion was implemented, but no changes were proposed in 2020.
In 2021 and 2022, the commission conducted multiple reviews and found that salaries had not kept pace with inflation, emphasizing the need for adjustments. Nonetheless, the Legislature remains hesitant to approve automatic raises, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility and political optics amid ongoing budget challenges.
If the House votes in favor of SB 87, salaries will remain unchanged.
A rare moment of common sense.
If it a rare moment of common sense ( which i agree with). Why are these same Senators, trying to inflation proof education administrators and teacher salaries? Seems hypocritical on their part.
But the legislature will surely vote in their own raises.
Juneau Assembly approved this for themselves quietly not so long ago and no one batted an eye. They buried it in the agenda so no one would notice.
Controversial opinion but elected officials should have a high salary, to avoid bribes
How much do they want to not accept bribes?
I say audit their personal incomes monthly then they can have a raise.
Do not trust anybody in government now after we are concerning what we thought, from Elon and DOGE.
Finally adult supervision has stepped up and taken control. I do know someone who left the private sector and took a pay cut to work for the governor. This person is ALWAYS working and deserves every dime of compensation. At the same time, NO ONE in the private sector has pay tied to inflation. How this was even proposed without people pointing and laughing is beyond me. Would that the names and photos of the compensation commission members be posted for public ridicule.
A great place to start cutting down on spending!!
Why do I get the feeling that the other shoe will be dropping shortly…