Come September 1, many of the state’s top-level bureaucrats are set to see some sweetheart pay raises. Of course, they come without any attempts to make state agencies more efficient with your tax dollars.
Most state employees are set to see their pay stubs increase by 3 percent when the state budget finally becomes law, while some of the state’s top-level bureaucrats are set to see their salaries increase more than many people make altogether.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Director Brad Livingston will see his salary jump to $260,000 annually, an increase of more than $73,000. A 40 percent increase in other words.
Other notable salary increases include:
Rissie Owens, Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairwoman – $45,500 increase
Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Director – $37,000 increase
Katherine Thomas, Texas State Board of Nursing Executive Director – $27,400 increase
William Kuntz, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Executive Director – $25,000 increase
All told, 73 of the 107 top-level executives will see a pay increase.
Naturally, there were never any discussions this session about making state agencies more efficient before signing off on an across-the-board pay raises for all state employees—something that would take place every session if zero-based budgeting were practiced.
No, lawmakers had little interest in reforms. There was plenty of money to go around this time, after all! Microcosmic of the 83rd Legislature.
