Governor Gave Her Staffers Early Raises of 5% to 20%, as She Limited Raises to Teachers and State Employees to 1%

Five Employees in Governor’s Office With Salaries North of $200,000 a year. Raises Ranging From $4,000 to $26,000 a Year for 25 Already Highly Paid, Favored Staffers, as More Than 7,000 New Mexico State and School Employees Are Paid Less Than Living Wage.

Governor Michelle Lujan recently gave her staffers in the Office of the Governor raises running between 5% and 20% as she limited raises to teachers and state employees to 1%. 

The Candle noticed the large raises in the recent release of state personnel records.

A preliminary review of the records reveals what has become routine favored treatment of the Governor’s immediate staff. The Candle reported in January of 2021, May of 2021, April of 2022, January of 2024, and in September of last year, on large pay raises beyond those authorized for teachers and state employees.)

The recent raises again favored already highly paid staffers.

For example, the Governor raised the salary for Special Director Rebecca Roose by $26,582, from $171,600 to $198,182.

Deputy Chiefs of Staff Diego Arencon and Caroline Buerkle saw each of their salaries increase by $16,993, from $208,000 to $224,993. 

The salary of Senior Advisor Courtney Kerster grew by almost $12,000, from $208,000 to $219,980.

The Governor’s Director of Strategic Planning and Initiatives, received a $19,385, raise, bringing his annual salary to $164,985.

About twenty five employees working directly for the Governor received the 5% to 20% raises just recently, at about the same time the Legislature and the Governor approved a budget with only a 1% raise for tens of thousands of teachers and state employees. 

By her giving her close staff raises now they will also get an additional 1% in July. 

This is a developing story and will be updated.