News - National
Hard times for Illinois, but not for governor's staff
Posted: Jul 6, 2010 12:04 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Jul 6, 2010 12:06 PM
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has handed out raises topping 20 percent to his staff even as he calls for $1.4 billion in spending cuts because of the state's budget crisis.
An Associated Press analysis of documents shows Quinn has given his staff 43 raises averaging 11.4 percent since he became governor. They include a $24,000 bump to the man overseeing state spending. Budget Director David Vaught got a 20 percent raise when he was promoted in October, bring his pay to $144,000.
Aides say that despite the raises, Quinn has made large cuts in his office's spending. But lawmakers say it's inappropriate for the governor to give such raises when the state can't meet pension and other obligations.
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