Some state lawmakers are questioning whether Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad overstepped his authority by signing off on bonuses paid to two state directors, raising their pay beyond state salary caps.
Courtney Kay-Decker, director of the Iowa Department of Revenue, has received an $800-per-pay-period housing allowance for her first year on the job, making her annual compensation more than $175,000. The maximum salary set by law for the revenue director is $154,300.
Public Safety Commissioner K. Brian London reportedly received a more than $16,000 recruitment bonus, making his annual pay $145,000. The cap is set at just under $129,000.
Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, says Branstad shouldn't be using bonuses to circumvent pay ranges established by the Legislature.
