Juneau -- Representative Scott Ogan (R-Palmer) has introduced legislation (HB-74) to bring the salaries of certain state administrators within long-standing legislative guidelines. Ogan's bill would affect deputy and assistant commissioners, special assistants, and directors of agencies throughout the state, including the office of the Governor and Lt. Governor. The legislation would cap salaries at the same level as top paid legislative staff. Under current statute, the administration's top level is a range 28, step F or $ 7,486 per month. Ogan's bill would apply the legislature's guideline that sets a cap at a range 21, step F or $ 5,095 per month. "Years ago, the legislature set their salary caps and standards for administrative staff. It is a policy that has saved money and we encourage the administration to follow the legislature's salary guidelines to meet our tighter budgets," said Ogan.

When asked about cost of living differentials, Ogan again cited legislative policy. "Our professional assistants come from all over the state, in many cases maintain two homes, and do not receive travel reimbursement or per diem for their journey to Juneau, or expenses while they are here."

There may be more than just salaries discussed. Ogan has not looked specifically at administrative travel budgets, and accumulated airline miles, but he feels it will probably come out in the testimony. "If legislators want to see all the differences in budget between administrative assistants and legislative assistants, travel will likely be discussed as will area salary differentials. Our (legislative) staff travel very little. They serve our districts through phones, faxes, and e-mail, even though some are larger than many states and most have at least 12,000 constituents," said Ogan.

Ogan's bill is the first to attempt salary parity between the legislature and the administration. The measure as introduced applies only to those administrative positions not protected by collective bargaining agreements. "Our ship of state is in rough waters. We need to ask all who sail upon her to reef their sails and batten down the hatches. I would encourage those affected by my bill to come to the table and give us alternatives if they are unhappy with legislative salary guidelines."