Oklahoma lawmaker criticizes state executive pay, salary hikes

OKLAHOMA CITY – A lawmaker is criticizing decisions to award hefty raises and salaries to members of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration.

A report by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for fiscal year 2025 found that while some leaders received no increases, 18 chief executive officers were given pay increases of 10% or more in fiscal year 2025.

The report shows that John Budd III, who was hired to fill a newly created post at the Department of Commerce, is earning $300,000 to run the agency. 

His salary is 112% more than the more than the agency’s prior leader, which was $141,000.

Oklahoma lawmaker criticizes state executive pay, salary hikes • Oklahoma Voice