Almost 300 state employees now earn more than the governor does, according to the latest “Rainbow Report” from the state controller’s office. That’s a three-fold increase just in the last decade, largely due to higher salaries for university administrators, deans and coaches. The annual report provides a snapshot of state employment at the beginning of each year. It details how many people work for the various state agency; lists salaries for the governor, lawmakers, department heads and other state officials; and identifies those who earn more than Idaho’s chief executive. Gov. Otter and the other constitutional officers actually took a pay cut this year, due to ongoing revenue shortfalls. The governor’s salary dropped 4 percent, from $115,348 last year to $110,734 this year/Bill Spence, Political Theater, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Should a state worker earn more than the Idaho governor?