(The Center Square) – New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney has given two of his top staff members large raises three months after publicly calling on the state legislature to “fully fund” his department. The raises have come under criticism as the state still suffers from an economic slowdown related to COVID-19 restrictions and oil and gas policies.
According to recent media reports, the largest raise went to Justin Garoutte, who was promoted from special assistant to director of strategic initiatives.
As a special assistant to Kenney, Garoutte was responsible for scheduling meetings for the cabinet secretary and other senior leaders. In that role, he was making $26.44 an hour. In his new position, he will make $41.82 an hour, a 58%. That equates to $87,000 per year, some $32,000 more than he was previously making.
Kait O’Brien, a spokeswoman for the Environment Department, told the Santa Fe New Mexican that Garoutte is a “highly motivated and valuable member of the team,” and was “over-qualified” in his previous role. more
Their governor tried to get a large raise out of one of her staffers. lolz