MADISON (AP) — State records show 11 of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' top aides are being paid at least 10 percent more than their predecessors under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on the pay increases Tuesday. The figures first were posted online last week by the conservative MacIver Institute.
In total, 27 of Evers' aides were set to make $3.5 million this year. That is about $200,000 more than the equivalent Walker aides were making, for a 6 percent increase.
Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany, of Hazlehurst, calls the raises "excessive" and part of a "Madison-first mentality" by Evers.
Revenue Secretary Peter Barca and Tourism Secretary Sara Meaney are making 14 percent more than the people they replaced. Barca is making $145,000, while Meaney is paid $130,000.
Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff said Evers "believes in fair compensation for the professionals who choose to serve our communities."
