Gov. Katie Hobbs demoted three state agency heads last month. But records obtained by Capitol Media Services show that while all three have significantly reduced roles, their pay has not changed.
In an effort to circumvent a Republican roadblock, Democratic Hobbs had withdrawn most agency head nominees from Senate confirmation, and appointed them as “deputy executive directors.”
This led to a nearly yearlong court battle ending with a ruling that Hobbs’ move was illegal. She now agrees to send her nominations to the Senate next year. The three that had led the Child Safety, Veteran Services and Environmental Quality departments will not be among them. They were demoted to deputy directors but continue to make salaries up to $224,000.
Hobbs’ spokesperson calls the three necessary to maintain agency operations.
