Governor, judges and other state officials need big raises, consultant says
By Warren Wise
A big fat raise — that's what a panel says top state officials need.
In a time of budget belt-tightening, salaries would increase from 4 percent to 54 percent for lawmakers, judges, the governor and others under a recommendation by a Legislature-appointed group headed by S.C. Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal.
Toal, whose own annual salary would soar 20 percent to $171,063 and who repeatedly has sought more pay for judges, said the study was the result of a market analysis by the Hay Group, a compensation consultant firm, that she and other committee members signed off on.
A subcommittee of the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee asked her about the study, she said. She told them the judicial branch was not asking for more pay this year "'because I realize y'all are in for a tight fiscal year,'" she said.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said the Legislature is already struggling with a tight budget and, market study or not, there is no shortage of people to take these jobs for the pay the state offers now.
"I don't think we need to raise salaries for anybody, judges or anybody else," Harrell said. "I would rather see us pay teachers more than those who run for elected office."
Lawmakers' salaries, including Harrell's, would balloon 54 percent to $16,000 a year under the recommendations. The governor's salary would increase 41 percent to $150,000.
"Frankly, with the budget situation, now is not the time to look at widespread salary increases of this magnitude," said Joel Sawyer, Gov. Mark Sanford's press secretary.
If any of the salary increases make it into the budget, Sawyer hinted the governor would likely veto them.
Rep. Annette Young, R- Summerville, who serves as vice chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee, said the report appears to be dead on arrival.
"I don't think that will be recommended with the budget cuts we are having," Young said.
State government raise recommendations
Legislators
Current Yearly Salary: $10,400
Proposed: $16,000
54 percent increase
Governor
Current: $106,078
Proposed: $150,000
41 percent increase
Superintendent of Education
Current: $92,007
Proposed: $135,000
47 percent increase
Treasurer
Attorney General
Current: $92,007
Proposed: $125,000
36 percent increase
Comptroller General
Adjutant General
Secretary of State
Agriculture Commissioner
Current: $92,007
Proposed: $110,000
20 percent increase
Supreme Court Chief Justice
Current: $142,603
Proposed: $171,063
20 percent increase
Supreme Court Associate Justice
Current: $135,813
Proposed: $148,750
10 percent increase
Appeals Court Chief Judge
Current: $134,454
Proposed: $147,263
10 percent increase
Appeals Court Associate Judge
Current: $132,417
Proposed: $141,313
7 percent increase
Trial Court Judge
Current: $129,022
Proposed: $134,247
4 percent increase
Family Court Judge
Current: $125,627
Proposed: $130,891
4 percent increase
Reach Warren Wise at 745-5850 or wwise@postandcourier.com. Reach Bo Petersen at 745-5852 or bpetersen@postandcourier.com.
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EducatedMom5 (anonymous) says...
From the Post and Courier: "A big fat raise - that's what a panel says top state officials need."
This is insane, if this country is in deed in the midst of a recession, why in the world would someone even make that suggestion? We as taxpayers are currently greatly effected by this country's financial woes how can we afford to put more money in these officials pockets?! How about throw some money to the taxpayers, we need "a big fat raise" too!!!!
February 6, 2008 at 2:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Well I for one am outraged beyond anyone's wildest imaginings.
How much money was thrown into this study report money pit in a tight fiscal year where it was never expected that these pay raises could occur?
I know right where this state can re-assimilate a minimum of $6,532,604.00. Jettison the entire morally bankrupt criminal enterprise euphemistically known as the family court system and incorporate those cases back into the court of common pleas.
February 6, 2008 at 4:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Patrick (anonymous) says...
When you consider the magnitude of responsibility of some of these key State positions, it makes sense to ensure that their compensation is high. Indeed, very high. Paying them a "bargain rate" or at least a salary that is average will yield at least two results: average job applicants and those who are subsequently elected; a climate that may be conducive to allowing corruption to develop, both personal and institutional. The specter of a recession would have no bearing on such things. And the key to addressing government spending is to eliminate the wasteful spending. Compensating key individuals who are in positions of enormous power makes sense. This is not wasteful.
February 6, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
MAYOR I agree with you. This is exactly what I thought when I read this. While the state legislators is primarily a part time job, most local school boards, city councils, make this much. I agree some of these need to be raised however not the justices. When you add in the perks and that fat retirement from the state for a one term deal that's better than most of us get. Not to mention medical insurance. It needs to be looked at but not across the board I think...
February 6, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BobH1962 (anonymous) says...
Just what these politicians in Columbia need at 54% raise, NO NO NO NO. Yes some salaries should be raised but not all of them and certainly not that much. Let them live with just the cost of living raise that some people get. If we raise the salaries does that mean we will see more work from them? One can only hope.
February 6, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
"I don't think we need to raise salaries for anybody, judges or anybody else," Harrell said. "I would rather see us pay teachers more than those who run for elected office."
now theres an idea....
February 6, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
capnphil (anonymous) says...
Mayor, THose folks who are legislators have the wherewithall, the income, to run an election and get paid, not to mention have the contacts to acquire donations. They don't NEED that money. They should do the job out of their civic responsibility, NOT for the salary. That was the way America was founded.
"House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said the Legislature is already struggling with a tight budget and, market study or not, there is no shortage of people to take these jobs for the pay the state offers now.
"I don't think we need to raise salaries for anybody, judges or anybody else," Harrell said. "I would rather see us pay teachers more than those who run for elected office."" That was the best thing I read yet.
You want less government, educate the citizenry to make it on their own so they won't need government hand-outs, just the basics, Police, Fire, EMS, protection, sound water and sewer, and decent roads. The rest of government services should go back to the churches and civic organizations to REGULATE.
February 6, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
Where's my raise? I deserve one too.
February 6, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
843allday (anonymous) says...
For what? They don't even respond to your emails....
February 6, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I believe that the governor and the CCFD chief make about the same thing. Interesting.....
February 6, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hillbilly (anonymous) says...
Go ahead...name one politician who's worth what he's already being paid.
February 6, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Most state government jobs would need a $10,000 raise just to get near the private sector compensation for an equivalent job. In this, the state taxpayers are benefiting. Most people want $20 per hour service from a $7 per hour employee. That is a hit or miss expectation.
February 6, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
I don't see a need for judges to get anymore pay than they already receive. I do think that legislators should get the miniscule 4% or less pay raise that comes out of Columbia for state employees once every 5-6 years. I also think that judges should be elected by the people and not the legislature. That only leads to a continuance of the "good ole boy system". Why is it that whenever a mention is made of raising salaries for a group of state employees they always bring up teachers? There are other much deserving state employees as well!!!!!
February 6, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Early I didn't realize that with a master's degree that they earned so little. However I still think that other state employees need to get pay raises too whenever the issue comes up. Many of those positions require degrees as well.
February 6, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
They do need to pay teachers more in SC. They get paid jack squat and are constantly having to obtain degrees in order to get an increase in salary. They should be paid twice as much for dealing with those little brats. Sorry, I mean darling children.
February 6, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
To_live_and_die_in_Dixie (anonymous) says...
South Carolina has THE worst governor in the country and judges all over the state who keep letting violent felons back out on the street to continue their rampages -- and we should give them all raises?????
What the F___ is wrong with this state???
February 6, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
highclass (anonymous) says...
Since SC has such a poor education system, why not give the raises to the teachers and schools. When our education improves 54% then we can give the "fat cats" in Columbia a modest raise. I would take any of these positions for what these people are making now.
February 6, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Why not tie their pay to a percentage of the reduction in State spending. That won't work because ya'll will vote bubba back in office regardless of how bad he sticks it to you.
February 6, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
These guys are awesome.....they work very hard for us and they darn sure care......so for all the fine work and extra effort give them between 10K - 20K a week after all they deserve it.
February 6, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Business as usual in South Carolina and if you have not noticed all SC state agencies are run in this manner as well. The good old boy system officially has a woman at the helm, huh? What is new truly, is the rhetorical question that I ask.
A Luta Continua
February 6, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
Geechie You go I agree with you.
February 6, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
I would happily take a cut in pay at my normal job if Jean Toal would submit her resignation effective immediately. If anyone deserves a salary increase in this state it is the Highway Patrol that ironically had the opportunity to rid the State Supreme Court of this dinosaur who is so out of touch she did not even notice slamming into several vehicles causing major property damage. Why do we as citizens continue to allow such aristocracy to continue in Columbia?
February 6, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sherlock (anonymous) says...
would you say that a state employee with 2 masters degrees should get more than 35 k per year? sorry, but the only college degree that is recognized by the state, as it relates to getting a state job, is the 'ole BA/BS. anything more does not entitle one to more money and it is not even comnsidered in the hiring process.
February 6, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigwhip (anonymous) says...
Wow!!!! What a litany of comments against this unbelievable thought that our government "SERVANTS" need a pay raise. You can be caught stealing, having sex with a prison inmate,abusing credit card privileges, doing drugs and they do not terminate you.......so you don't lose your retirement. How nice of our system. Mt pleasant paid almost $70,000 dollars so the fire chief would not lose his retirement. He was asked to resign.....a gift from we tax payers. This is how your governmenr works with your tax dollars. Columbia is loaded with those that would do anything with your money. Does the private sector tolerate this crap....NO!
February 6, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
FIRST, have the state estabilish a flat tax so our illegal friends pay in to the state coffers! Then you can have your freaking raise!
HEY I MAKE MORE THAN THE GOV! WHY CAN'T I AFFORD TO LIVE ON SULLIVANS ISLAND. I HAVE CONSIDERED RUNNING FOR THE HOUSE JUST TO GET THE PERKY RETIREMENT!
February 6, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigwhip (anonymous) says...
Now let me address the Jean Toal issue. She should be removed or impeached. Two time offender of the accident and leaving the scene. How many of you would get away with that. Where is Sanford on this? The group that was formed to offer up this study should be identified by name, occupation, and company. That would be interesting info as well as revealing.
February 6, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
COFC2007 (anonymous) says...
If the budget is tight so they say i have a problem with giving a salary increase to elected official. As for our state judge i do not see a problem at all because Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court was trying to raise salaries of federal judges as well.
February 6, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
COFC2007 (anonymous) says...
meant to say was i have a problem sorry
February 6, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carolina_Politics (anonymous) says...
A big fat raise? What Toal needs is a big fat foot up her ass for suggesting something so ludicrous. I would think this is a joke, but it isn't funny. The Pennsylvania State Legislature tried pulling this with themselves and all the state judges back in 2005, passing increases of over 50% for some of them. There was an enormous, unprecedented backlash from the state residents at the voting booth, including the non-retention of a State Supreme Court judge which had never happened in state history. Several legislators lost their seats, some of them members of the leadership, as a result of this foolhearty decision and the raises were repealed.
I don't think Toal really wants the State Legislature in South Carolina to follow that path. If she doesn't like what she's getting paid, she can get another job.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com
February 6, 2008 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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