Culver cuts his own pay by 10 percent

Gov. Chet Culver is cutting his pay.

The first-term Democrat announced today that, as state government begins to implement a 10 percent across-the-board cut in spending, he is going to reduce his state salary by 10 percent.

“This national economic recession has meant financial sacrifices for everyone across the state and it should be no different for me,” he said. “As Iowans face reduced state services and many state employees face the likelihood of layoffs, my office will lead by example in making budget cuts and it will begin with my salary. We must all face this challenge together.”

The governor's salary, set by law, is $130,000.

Culver has requested all department directors to reduce their salaries by 10 percent to set an example for their departments. He does not expect other state-wide elected officials to take the same salary cut.

All state executive branch departments are developing plans to implement the 10 percent across-the-board budget cut Culver ordered Oct. 8. Those plans will be submitted to the Department of Management Oct. 20 and finalized by Oct. 28.