Panel OKs pay hike for officials

The Clarion-Ledger, 2/8/8

A bill that would give pay raises to elected officials cleared a House committee Thursday, but some wondered how lawmakers could justify supporting it in a lean budget year.

House Bill 859 would increase salaries of legislators and statewide and county elected officials, such as the governor, attorney general, sheriffs and judges.

The bill approved in the House Fees and Salaries Committee still needs to clear the House Appropriations Committee before the entire House considers it. Appropriations will consider it next week.