Salary Commissions in Other States
Washington is one of 20 states that has a compensation commission to set elected officials' salaries.
In 10 states, the recommendations of the commissions are advisory to the Governor and/or the Legislature. In nine states, the recommendations become law unless the Legislature modifies or rejects them. Only in Washington does the salary schedule become law without input or review by either the Governor or the Legislature. Only Washington's voters, through the referendum process, can overturn the salaries we set.