Overview

Proposition 1F: Elected Officials’ Salaries.  Prevents Pay Increases During Budget Deficit Years.

In 1990, voters created the California Citizens Compensation Commission to establish the annual salaries, medical insurance and other benefits for members of the Legislature and all eight constitutional offices, including the Governor and the Board of Equalization.  The Commission is required to consider a variety of factors when it adjusts the annual salary and benefits including how much time is required to perform the duties, the annual salary of other elected officials with similar responsibilities, and the responsibility and scope of authority of the official.  The fiscal condition of the state is currently not a factor. 

Since 2000, the Commission has approved pay increases four times, which has been less than or equal to the rate of inflation.  According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, a 1 percent raise for elected state officials costs the state about $160,000 per year. 

The Commission does not have control over the per diem payments legislators receive to cover housing costs and expenses when the Legislature is in session. 

Proposition 1F would prevent the Commission from approving salary increases for elected officials when the state General Fund is expected to end the year in a deficit.  By June 1 the Director of the Department of Finance is required to notify the Commission if the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties is expected to have a negative balance of at least 1 percent of the state’s General Fund revenues.  During such years, state officials would not be eligible for an increase in salary.