Seth Morgan (R)
Richard Cordray (D)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) -The Ohio attorney general could be in line for a 5 percent pay cut, under a proposal introduced in the House that is aimed at saving the state money.
Legislation introduced by Rep. Seth Morgan, R-Huber Heights, would cut the pay of the governor, state treasurer, state auditor, attorney general and state assembly members until the Buckeye State's economy improves.
"I would support a greater decrease to our income in light of the current economic condition of Ohio," Morgan said. "However, I hope that this reasonable approach will successfully start this important conversation of tying the policy makers and regulators personal success to the success of the taxpayers."
If approved by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, House Bill 210 would mean a pay cut for the officeholders at the beginning of their next term. The earliest the bill would take effect is 2011.
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray earns $ $109,986 annually. The Democrat was elected to the post in November.
"This bill is not intended to create a debate on what the elected officials are 'worth'. Instead, this bill is intended to force the policy makers to 'put their money where their mouths are,'" Morgan said.
The proposal calls for officials' pay to be restored if Ohio's gross domestic product increases by 2.5 percent in two out of three consecutive years.
From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.