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Utah has not significantly increased the salary of its governor since 2000. But House Republicans said Thursday it is finally time to approve a raise for that and other statewide elected offices — but not have it take effect until 2017.

The House GOP caucus voted to support legislation being written by Rep. Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, to hike the governor's salary from the current $109,900 to $150,000.

It would also raise the salaries of the attorney general, lieutenant governor, auditor and treasurer. Currently, they all make $104,400. The bill would increase the salary of the attorney general to $142,500. Pay for the others would rise to $135,000.

Wilson said the increases would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2017 — after the next election.

He said the office of Gov. Gary Herbert requested the delay so he would not be asked to sign a law increasing his own pay. Instead, it would increase the pay of whomever wins the next election.

Wilson's bill closely follows the recommendations of an independent commission that reviews the pay of elected officials, but actually is recommending somewhat lower raises for the lieutenant governor, treasurer and auditor.

He said the commission has recommended raises for years. "Quite frankly, we have just ignored them," he said. House Speaker Greg Hughes said it is time to pay attention to the commission, or disband it.

Wilson noted that the governor is currently paid less than many members of his Cabinet, and a number of other state officials. The attorney general, likewise, is paid less than numerous lawyers on his staff.

Wilson said the proposed increase of 36.5 percent for the governor restores what the position would have received if the salary had risen with the cost-of-living index over a number of years.

Wilson noted that former Lt. Gov. Greg Bell recently resigned because of low pay, and current Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox took a significant pay cut relative to his private salary to accept the job. Wilson said pay should be sufficient to attract quality candidates.

"We want to be conservative, but we don't want to appear cheap," said Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield. "Right now we look a little cheap on those executive offices."

Hughes said, "Let's just do the right thing on this." Wilson plans to formally introduce the legislation soon.