Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell Saturday announced he will decline the pay increase recommended by the Alaska State Officers Compensation Commission. The governor will ask the commission and Legislature to take the necessary steps to honor his request.

The commission has proposed to increase the governor’s salary to $150,872 per year.

The governor’s FY 2015 budget proposal cuts spending and eliminates 150 vacant positions in state government. In light of budget constraints and upon further reflection, the governor determined his salary should remain the same as it has been for several years. Governor Parnell noted, however, that the heads of state agencies, the commissioners, have been without a salary increase for four years and recommended legislators approve the increase for commissioners.

“The commissioners’ jobs are extremely demanding, and retention is becoming an issue,” Governor Parnell said. “I believe a salary increase for agency heads is warranted at this time.”