FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2010 file photo, Republican candidate for governor Brian Sandoval celebrates his victory over Democratic opponent Rory Reid at an election-night party, in Las Vegas. Twenty-six states elected new governors last month _ 17 Republicans, 8 Democrats and one independent _ and now they are going to have to reconcile their principles and campaign promises with some harsh fiscal realities. In Nevada, with a projected deficit of $1.1 billion to $3 billion, Sandoval is refusing to raise taxes, calling it "the worst thing you could do" during a recession. Nevada leads the nation in home foreclosures and bankruptcies and has the highest employment rate at 14.2 percent. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval on Thursday confirmed there will be more pay cuts for state workers as part of his proposed budget.
"There are going to be salary reductions for all state employees," he said during a briefing in the Capitol.
Sandoval said he won't take the 6 percent pay raise in statute for all constitutional officers and lawmakers effective in January. Sandoval said he would also encourage the other elected officials set to receive those raises to return the money to the treasury.
He said he will take the 4.6 percent reduction matching the cut state workers are suffering from furloughs. While he wouldn't confirm it, that would indicate Sandoval plans to continue those day-a-month, unpaid furloughs for state employees.
He also said that, generally, he would take whatever other cuts he imposes of the state government workforce, although noting that, because he is an elected official with salary protected by the constitution, his reductions might not mirror those faced by classified employees.
By taking the governor's office, Sandoval has already taken a significant pay cut this year. He was paid more than $172,000 a year as a federal judge. The governor's salary is $140,000 at present.
Sandoval will be sworn in as Nevada's 30th governor since statehood in a ceremony on the Capitol steps Monday morning. The state's first Hispanic governor, he succeeds fellow-Republican Jim Gibbons.
Sandoval said he has already met with several legislative leaders and plans to work with them as the 2011 legislative session proceeds. One of his first official functions Monday evening will be a dinner with not only legislative leaders and other state officials but former governors at the Nevada Room adjacent to the governor's mansion.
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