The governor of American Samoan, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, is pushing for hefty increases to the salaries of the governor and lieutenant-governor.
Lolo Matalasi Moliga at his State of the Territory address. Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
Lolo wants the changes in place by January 2021 when a new government administration starts.
A bill to increase the salaries will also propose an allowance for the governor's spouse to cover the costs associated with her formal duties.
In a letter to the legislature, Lolo said the salaries of the governor and lieutenant-governor had not changed in many years.
He says purchasing power has also declined which warranted a wage rise.
At the moment the governor earns $US85,000 and the lieutenant governor at $US75,000.
Lolo says the governor should get $US100,000 and his deputy $US85,000.