Governor cuts his own salary by 10%

Governor Chet Culver used his authority to order a 10 percent, across-the-board cut in the state budget last week.  Today, Culver’s announcing his own pay will be cut, too.

GOVERNOR CULVER CUTS HIS OWN SALARY BY TEN PERCENT

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver announced today that, as state government begins work to implement a 10% across-the-board cut in spending, he is going to reduce his state salary by ten percent.

“This national economic recession has meant financial sacrifices for everyone across the State of Iowa, and it should be no different for me” said Governor Culver. “As Iowans face reduced state services and many state employees face the likelihood of layoffs, my office will lead by example in making budget cuts and it will begin with my salary. We must all face this challenge together.”

The salary for the Governor of Iowa is $130,000 as determined by state law.

The Governor has also requested all department directors to reduce their salaries by 10% to set an example for their departments.

In addition, the Governor said he does not expect other state-wide elected officials to take the same salary cut.

“Iowa’s state-wide elected officials make less than nearly all department directors, and considering the effort each of them will make serving our state during this difficult time I insist that they not reduce their salaries,” added Governor Culver.

All state executive branch departments are currently developing plans on implementation of the 10% across-the-board budget cut ordered by Governor Culver on October 8. Those plans will be submitted to the Department of Management on October 20 and finalized by October 28.