Effective July 1, 2004, the salaries of deputies or assistants to the head of any department of the State, other than the department of education, shall be within the range or ranges for the specific positions as last recommended by the executive salary commission. Effective July 1, 2007, and every six years thereafter, the salaries shall be as last recommended by the commission on salaries and specified by the appointing official, if appropriate, pursuant to § 26-56, unless rejected by the legislature.