Morgan Cullen of the National Conference of State Legislatures said California has a unique setup. “California is just one of four other states where the commission has full authority to raise or lower salaries as they see fit. The others are Idaho, Washington and Oklahoma,” he explained.

About a dozen lawmakers are turning down the pay increase, saying it’s not appropriate while the economy is still struggling.

Gov. Jerry Brown is getting a raise, too. His salary goes up by about $8,000, to $173,987. Unlike California lawmakers, Brown does not lead the national pack. That distinction goes to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, who pulls in $187,256.

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After Years of Cuts, California Lawmakers Get a Pay Bump