Facing recall threat, senator rejects raise
SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Josh Newman, who is facing a recall election, is among a small group of legislators who are turning down pay raises that take effect Monday.
Gov. Jerry Brown, state legislators and other elected state officials will see their salaries increase 3% on Monday as a result of a vote by a citizen commission this year.
Citing his vote for a gastax increase, Republicans have turned in enough signatures to qualify a recall election against Newman (D-Fullerton) for next year, although a date has not been finalized.
When the raises were approved, Newman said: “Having been recently elected, and out of consideration of the challenges currently confronting so many hardworking Californians, I have decided to forego any increase in my own compensation in the coming year.”
Other lawmakers face strong challenges in the June primary.
In addition to Newman, raises were turned down by Assembly members Catharine Baker (R-Dublin), Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) and Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside).
Most other legislators will see their annual salary bump up to $107,242, although four legislative leaders will receive more.
Brown’s annual salary will rise to $195,806, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pay will jump to $146,854.
Despite a reorganization that took away much of their power and most of their employees, elected members of the state Board of Equalization will see their salaries increase to $146,854.
Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson each will see their salaries rise to $170,080, the second-highest pay for elected state officials.
The pay raises were approved in June by the California Citizens Compensation Commission, a panel appointed by the governor and created by voters in 1990.