Senate Bill 231, which was requested by the governor and endorsed by a Senate committee Wednesday, would boost the salary range for 11 Cabinet members and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert. The new lieutenant governor would immediately see a pay hike of more than $17,000, or 22 percent, if the legislation passes.

The top end of salary ranges for some Cabinet members would jump as much as 42 percent, and the legislation is retroactive to Jan. 3, the day Huntsman took office.

Rank-and-file state employees, meanwhile, are looking at a 2.5 percent pay raise and 1 percent boost in benefits.

A six-member citizen board in November recommended a 4.5 percent boost for executive branch appointees as well as a $10,000 raise for Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. A separate bill to increase Shurtleff's salary by $13,200 also received the Senate committee's backing Wednesday.

Huntsman's chief of staff, Jason Chaffetz, says the bill only bumps up the ranges and does not guarantee an immediate salary increase for Cabinet members.

"There's not necessarily any pay raises, other than the lieutenant governor," Chaffetz said. "We have no plans to adjust compensation."

Newly appointed state Agriculture Commissioner Leonard Blackham, for example, makes about $88,000 a year, the highest allowed under current law. SB231 would boost that maximum to $112,900.

Mike Mower, Huntsman's legislative liaison, told the Senate Government Operations Committee that the pay increases, if approved, would be handled in existing budgets. Asked if that meant programs would be cut, Mower said it was possible, but he believed cost savings could be found to prevent a reduction in services.

"I think they can find savings in existing budgets," Mower said.

Dan Harrie, government editor: 257-8793, dharrie@sltrib.com

Rebecca Walsh, reporter: walsh@sltrib.com

Thomas Burr, reporter: tburr@sltrib.com

Matt Canham, reporter: mcanham@sltrib.com

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