Friday, December 19, 2008

Palin Declines Pay Raise; Reduces Budget Request


Governor Sarah Palin and Marie Green at the Northwest Arctic Leadership Forum

Cross posted at The Next Right

The Anchorage Daily News reports that a new Alaska state commission created by the legislature has recommended boosting state salaries for legislators, department heads, lieutenant governor and governor. The commission recommends giving the governor a 20% increase (from $125,000 to $150,000).

However, Governor Sarah Palin says she will not accept a pay raise.
"'But if the commission pushes ahead with a pay raise, Palin won't accept the money,' said spokesman Bill McAllister.

"'Her view is, it's just not appropriate to accept a pay raise in the middle of the term.'"

A further example of conservative political action is Palin's budget proposal of $11.2 billion for FY 2010. This is a 7% decrease from the FY 2009 budget.

“'With the present market conditions and oil prices, it is incumbent on the state to present a general fund budget that spends less than the current one, especially when adjusted for inflation,' Governor Palin said."

The proposed decline in spending takes into account "volatile" revenue cycles and the need for rainy day funds. Palin's budget proposal is geared to spending less than projected income with all surplus funds to go into a "constitutional budget reserve".
“'The fall revenue forecast again highlights how volatile our revenue cycles can be,' said the Governor. 'Working with the legislature, we have made good decisions over the past two years – putting money into savings accounts and investing in infrastructure that will help develop our resources and our communities.'"

Now if only the federal government would show some fiscal responsibility.

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