Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has vetoed raises for lawmakers and public service commissioners.
He told reporters Monday, however, that he will not veto big raises for his own advisors. That includes Economic Development Chief Stephen Moret who is getting a $75,000 raise. He will earn a salary of more than $320,000.
"It's a very important position. It's a priority for us in the administration, and I think for the state as well," said Jindal.
He stressed that with the big bucks comes the responsibility for Moret to continue to perform. "Certainly with the compensation comes a high level of expectation and a high level of scrutiny, and I think that's warranted."
Listen to Jindal:
Other raises that Jindal is not vetoing include a more than $94,000 salary increase for Moret's Deputy Secretary Steve Grissom, paying him $237,500.
Public Health Chief Rony Francois is in line for a $60,000 raise. He will earn $180,000.