Inos told reporters he and the governor made up their minds to “share the pain” with the rest of government employees affected by the 20 percent paycut due to the reduction of their work hours.
The governor gets $70,000 a year, while the lt. governor receives $60,000.
Their and other top officials’ salaries are “protected” by the Constitution, but they can volunteer to accept paycuts, Inos said.
“It’s all part of the austerity,” he added.
Rep. Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan, earlier said he and other lawmakers would volunteer to pay cuts as soon as the new budget is passed.
Rep. Ralph S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, for his part said he will recommend the passage of the Senate legislative initiatives that will reduce the salaries of elected officials as well as those of the judges and justices during the implementation of austerity measures.
In a separate interview, Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan said because of the austerity measures, cabinet members and department heads are already receiving reduced salaries.
Most cabinet members get $50,000 a year.
The Supreme Court chief justice makes $130,000 a year while the two associate justices get $126,000 each.
The Superior Court presiding judge is paid $130,000 while the four associate judges each get $126,000.
The 20 representatives and nine senators each get $39,000 a year while each of the four mayors earn $43,200 a year.
