The Senate today approved a 10% pay cut for the next governor and Legislature, a reduction that was demanded by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to acknowledge the state's economic difficulties, but a gesture that would not apply to current officeholders.

The measure goes to the House, where approval is likely.

The pay cut was approved two weeks ago by the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC), which is the only body allowed by the state constitution to set salaries for the governor, lieutenant governor, Legislature, attorney general and Supreme Court. The court was excluded from the cuts because of a constitutional conflict.

The House and Senate must concur with the SOCC's decisions.

The pay cuts would save the state about $1.5 million, a small fraction of a potential deficit which state economists say exceeds $1.6 billion.

SOCC pay decisions can only take effect after the following general election, which is in 2010. So the pay cut would take effect in 2011, when a new governor assumes office, as well as a newly elected House and Senate.

Thirty of the current 38 senators cannot run for re-election because of term limits.

House and Senate members' $79,650 salary would drop to $71,685. Leaders in both chambers would have their supplemental pay cut 10% as well.

Granholm is paid $177,000, though she voluntarily returns 5% to the state. The next governor would be paid $159,300. (Granholm cannot seek re-election because of term limits.)

Salaries for the attorney general and secretary of state would drop from $124,900 to $112,000.

Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, voted for the pay cut but called it disingenuous because it does not affect current lawmakers, except those who might be re-elected.

But Whitmer said although the measure is largely symbolic, 'In times of crisis, symbols matter."

For the full article, see Chris Christoff, "Michigan senators vote for pay cuts -- for successors", Detroit Free Press, March 26, 2009.