Gov. Nathan Deal cast the hefty pay raises he doled out to top aides and other senior executive branch officials as a necessity to keep top talent on board for his second term.
In an interview on Monday, Deal said his chief deputies, in particular, are awarded extra pay partly because they wouldn't be eligible for state retirement benefits if they were to leave state government after his tenure in office.
"They could all make higher salaries with other jobs in the private sector, but fortunately are devoted to following through on the programs we're working on," he said. The pay increases, he added, "are certainly appropriate."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in Sunday's print editions that the governor's November election resulted in a windfall for his chief deputies and other senior officials.
The pay hikes come as Deal is offering state agencies just 1 percent to provide raises to lower-level staffers. School districts are also being given extra money that systems can use, if they like, to boost teacher pay. But few if any are expected to get anywhere near a 10 percent hike.
About the Author
