While Gov. Jim Gibbons is asking teachers and state workers to accept pay cuts, some staff in his office are making nearly double the salaries set by the Legislature for their positions.

“All but four members of Gov. Jim Gibbons' staff will make a higher salary next fiscal year than what the Legislature approved for the current fiscal year, despite Gibbons' proposal for all state workers to take a 6 percent pay cut,” according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. “Gibbons' staff will make between 3 percent and 85 percent more than the salaries approved by the Legislature last session, even after taking a 6 percent pay cut.”

So while teachers, firefighters and police in Nevada – not to mention private sector workers who are fighting to even hang on to their jobs in this economy – will be bringing home less next year, some Gibbons’ staffers will be making nearly $100,000.

That’s because rather than putting leftover cash from his budget back into the general fund to help offset cuts to education and other critical services, Gibbons hiked up the pay of those who work closest to him.

At the top of the list, according to the RGJ:

Legislative Director Jodi Stephens, who will make $98,096 in FY2010 compared to the legislatively approved salary of $53,040.

Communications Director Dan Burns, who will make 48 percent more next year thanks to Gibbons.

And if you’re fed up with Gibbons' lack of leadership, please consider volunteering with Nevada State Democratic Party to help elect a Democratic governor. Email us at volunteer@nvdems.com or by calling 702-737-8683 or 775-323-8683 for more information.