State elected officials get raises July 1, but Insurance Commissioner is giving his away

[TexasTowelie]

While many state employees are facing furloughs or canceled raises, statewide elected officials will get raises on July 1. But State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says he’ll donate his scheduled salary increase to the Thurston County Food Bank.

“State government, like businesses in Washington, are facing tough financial conditions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,” Kreidler said in a press release. “I cannot in good conscience justify accepting a pay increase at this time. And although I am not allowed by law to decline the higher pay set by the salary commission, I can make sure the money goes to a charitable organization that does so much to help those in need.”

The salary raises were set in 2019 by the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials.

The raises for 498 elected officials in the state take effect July 1. The commission increased Kreidler’s salary to $137,700 from $132,600 in October.

Read more: https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article243717607.html

[KT2000]

1. He is a good guy!

He is for the consumer in the insurance mess.

[TexasTowelie]

2. He is a public servant

with the emphasis on public. As a former state employee, I can say that most of us did recognize our duty to the public.

[KT2000]

3. Absolutely!

Many of my family work for the state and give of themselves above and beyond.

Some state insurance commissioners side with the insurance companies in disputes and allow price increases routinely. Some even want the "across state lines insurance" so they are out of the business of upholding any state laws covering insurance. We have strong insurance laws and Kreidler is strong in upholding them and he is proactive in keeping the citizens informed. He even said, when he first started the job he was prepared to fight the citizens but then was shocked at how much influence the insurance companies really have so he changed his perspective. His is an elected position and I don't know about other states.