Alaska's executive-level salaries, including those of the governor, lawmakers, and commissioners, saw a significant increase of over 10% in 2024, reaching a record high. This surge was primarily driven by automatic adjustments linked to inflation, set to take effect unless the Legislature intervenes. The rise outpaced pay increases for other state employees, with the highest-paid executive, Frank Richards, earning over $488,000.
Frank Richards, left, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., with Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Richards was the top-paid Alaska state government executive last year. The state of Alaska spent more than $26 million paying executive-level officials in 2024, an increase of more than 10% from the previous year, according to a Last year’s compensation rate is the highest recorded for executive-level positions, according to annual reports prepared by the state.
The change was driven in part by thethat commissioner salaries, along with those of the governor and lawmakers, be updated automatically every other year depending on inflation. The recommendations will go into effect automatically unless the Legislature blocks the change. Under current law, commissioners can receive a raise only through a recommendation from the State Officers Compensation Commission. The recent increase in compensation for executives far outpaced pay increases for other state employees, according to data compiled by the state. Average base monthly salaries for the state’s roughly 14,500 employees went up 3.6% between Alaska’s highest-paid executive was again Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. Richards earned more than $488,000 in 2024. He hadNext was University of Alaska President Pat Pitney, who was paid more than $411,000 in 2024. Third was Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. Executive Director Deven Mitchell, with a salary of just under $398,000.The report also includes details on state executives’ travel expenses. Gov. Mike Dunleavy was near the top of the list with just under $70,000 in travel-related expenses for the year, a 50% increase from his 2023 travel expenses. Dunleavy’s travel schedule included official trips to the Canadian territory of Yukon and provinces of Alberta and Ontario, a technology conference in California and an energy conference in Arizona. He also reported official travel to North Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Colorado. At least three state officials reported expenses associated with the Republican National Convention in July in Milwaukee. Dunleavy attended the convention, though he did not list it on his report. Dunleavy’s chief of staff. Tyson Gallagher. reported $5,760 in state costs to accompany Dunleavy at the convention. Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum also traveled to Milwaukee during the dates of the convention, describing the purpose of the trip as “executive branch/department related travel.” He reported $3,637 in expenses for the trip, which also took him to Texas and Colorado. Deputy Revenue Commission Fadil Limani traveled with Crum on the trip to Wisconsin and Texas, reporting $1,400 in related travel expenses.went up to $80,641 in 2024, an increase of more than $30,000 per legislator from 2023. All but three lawmakers who reside in Juneau also collected around $37,000 in per-diem payments. Additionally, most lawmakers spent much of their allotted office expense budget, which stands at $12,000 per House member and $20,000 per senator. Lawmakers collectively spent $286,000 on travel in 2024, far below their total of $360,000 in 2023. Sitka Republican Sen. Bert Stedman topped the travel chart for the second year in a row, with nearly $47,000 in travel expenses. A dozen lawmakers reported no travel expenses. Separately, lawmakers reported nearly $380,000 on relocation expenses in 2024 associated with moving from their home districts to Juneau, a 6% increase from the previous year.Iris Samuels is a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News focusing on state politics. She previously covered Montana for The AP and Report for America and wrote for the Kodiak Daily Mirror. Contact her at isamuels@adn.com.
ALASKA POLITICS EXECUTIVE SALARIES INFLATION LEGISLATURE STATE BUDGET
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
10 Most Surprising DC & Marvel Releases Of 2024Imagery-from-Joker-Folie-Á-Deux,-Deadpool-&-Wolverine-and-Agatha-All-Along
Read more »
Top luxury campaigns of 2024: LVMH and Paris 2024The corporation's wine and spirits division Moët Hennessy, beauty retailer Sephora and jeweler Chaumet are among the brands that supported the premium partnership.
Read more »
Seattle Seahawks' 2024 Season: A Manic Ride to 10 WinsThe Seattle Seahawks concluded a turbulent 2024 season with a 10th victory, securing a commendable feat despite missing the playoffs. The season showcased highs and lows, with a new coaching staff leading the charge. The off-season now begins, filled with analysis, speculation, and anticipation for the future.
Read more »
The 10 Highest-Graded Players From the 2024 BYU Football SeasonBYU wrapped up the season with a dominant win over Colorado to improve to 11-2 and position themselves for a top-15 ranking in the final AP poll. Compared to pr
Read more »
The 10 Must-See Plays of the 2024 NFL Regular SeasonThis article highlights the most spectacular plays from the 2024 NFL regular season, including rare touchdown catches, incredible feats of athleticism, and game-changing moments.
Read more »
2024 Golden Globe Awards Fashion Roundup + Faby's Best of 2024This article covers the red carpet fashion at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, highlighting standout looks from Zendaya, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Rihanna. It also promotes voting for various categories in The Fabys Awards of 2024, including Best Wig Hairstylist, Best Natural Hairstylist, Best Makeup Artist, Best Stylist, and Most Fashionable Couple.
Read more »