Last Chance To Talk About Salary Hikes

Tonight is the last chance Spokane residents will have to voice their opinions on salary increases for state lawmakers.

A public hearing is sponsored by the Washington Citizens Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, which sets the salaries for 442 people - including the governor, state judges and legislators.

The 16-member commission already has held public hearings in five other cities this year. After tonight, it will determine the salaries and file them with the Secretary of State. The new pay scales will become effective 90 days later.

In 1993, the commission voted not to increase the salaries of any elected state officials. At a public hearing in Spokane that year, more than 50 residents showed up.

The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Comstock Room at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive. It is free and open to the public.