Indiana’s highest elected officials are set to receive pay raises as part of a new compensation package. Governor Eric Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Attorney General Todd Rokita, Secretary of State Holli Sullivan, Auditor Tera Klutz, and Treasurer Kelly Mitchell will all see their salaries increase over the next two years.
The raises will be phased in gradually, with a 2% increase taking effect in July 2022 followed by another 2% increase in July 2023. This will bring Governor Holcomb’s salary from $121,044 to $125,465 by 2023, while Lieutenant Governor Crouch’s salary will increase from $93,302 to $96,068.
Supporters of the pay raises argue that it is necessary to attract qualified candidates to these important positions and ensure that elected officials are fairly compensated for their work. They point out that Indiana’s top elected officials have not received a pay raise since 2009 and that their salaries are significantly lower than those of their counterparts in neighboring states.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the timing of the pay raises, given the ongoing economic challenges faced by many Hoosiers. They argue that these raises could be seen as out of touch with the struggles of ordinary residents, especially in light of recent budget cuts and fiscal austerity measures.
Overall, the pay raises for Indiana’s highest elected officials are likely to spark debate and discussion among both policymakers and the public. As the state continues to navigate the complex economic landscape in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about fairness, accountability, and transparency in government spending are sure to remain at the forefront of public discourse.
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