Workers’ Comp Official Claims Iowa Governor Illegally Cut His Pay

A state workers’ compensation commissioner has filed a lawsuit accusing Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad of discrimination because the governor cut his salary by more than $30,000 after he declined to resign.

Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey filed the lawsuit in Polk County because he claimed Branstad illegally cut his salary from about $109,000 to $73,000 after Godfrey refused a request to quit.

Godfrey was appointed by former Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Godfrey also charged that he was singled out because he is gay.

George LaMarca, the lawyer who will represent the governor, says state law allows the governor to reduce the pay of a commissioner.

Godfrey has an unlisted number in Des Moines and couldn’t be reached to comment.