At least $8 million in pay raises have been granted to thousands of Louisiana’s state workers this budget year, despite the worst financial gaps the state has seen since 1988.
The Associated Press reports the cost of those raises will grow to at least $15 million for the next budget year, when they are annualized, according to data gathered from departments by The Associated Press.
Some pay hikes were given by former Gov. Bobby Jindal’s cabinet secretaries shortly before they exited office, leaving Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration to deal with the long-term financial implications.
Jindal’s transportation secretary gave out raises to 3,800 workers about a week before that administration left.
Other salary boosts were given by statewide elected officials who remain in office, including the insurance commissioner, secretary of state and agriculture commissioner.
As first reported by Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics, the pay raises came to light as staffers and legislators are considering furloughs, among other measures, as a way to handle a $750 million current fiscal year shortfall.
A spokesman for Jindal’s office did not confirm the salary hikes, but told LaPolitics that the decisions had been left up to each department and agency head, without the consultation of Jindal.
Documents obtained show at least four departments triggered performance adjustments of up to 4%, or at least $19.1 million in new expenditures for the current and next fiscal years.
