Pay Raises for State Officials, Pay Cuts for Poor

In Part A, Page 3 (Nov. 16), The Times presents two stories which seem to directly contradict each other.

The first, “$1-Billion Austerity Plan Urged as State Revenues Dive,” predicts cuts in such vital areas as schools because the state coffers are now $408 million short of what is needed.

The second, “Raise for Governor, Legislators Endorsed,” reports that a voter-endorsed salary commission is recommending that the governor get a salary increase from $85,000 to $120,000, and legislators an increase in base pay from $40,816 to $52,000, plus a “salary premium” for “leaders.” Legislators will continue to get “benefits and expense allowances” worth $25,000 to $35,000.

The attorney general’s pay will go from $77,500 to $102,000; the superintendent of public instruction’s from $72,500 to $102,000, and the salaries of the state controller, treasurer, secretary of state, and lieutenant governor from $72,500 to $90,000.

This is an “austerity plan”?

LILLIAN MONEY, Manhattan Beach