4/14/6 The Detroit News reports:

The number of people in state government's six-figure salary club has soared about 85 percent since the economic slide started eroding Michigan's budget in 2000. The state payroll shows 700 employees are making more than $100,000 a year, compared to about 375 six years ago, according to a Detroit News analysis. The review of records, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, also shows 1,919 state workers earn more than Michigan lawmakers, who at $79,650 are the second highest paid in the nation. Gov. Jennifer Granholm's $177,000 salary makes her the nation's second highest paid governor. But she finishes a distant second on the state payroll. The runaway leader is James Epolito, the new chief executive of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., who collects $200,000 a year.

(Hat Tip: Bob)