By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – A citizens commission is moving forward with public hearings to discuss raises for Missouri's elected officials and judges.
The 22-member Missouri Citizens' Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials is meeting with just 10 members, because Governor Matt Blunt has not made his commission appointments and does not plan to do so.
Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer said the governor does not see a need for a pay raise for elected officials.
The state Supreme Court and the secretary of state made their appointments to the panel earlier this year.
The commission is considering the raises amid a poor economy and declining state revenues.
Commission chair Tim Hufker said the group is simply doing what the state constitution mandates.