Neither a commissioner nor an interim commissioner shall accept, during his or her time of service, any gifts or benefits with a combined value of more than two hundred dollars other than from a member of his or her family and of the kind customarily granted by a member of one's family. The term "gift or benefit" shall be construed liberally to include current and future loans, lodging, food, offer of prospective employment, and other actual and prospective benefits. An employer's decision to continue paying a commissioner's current salary shall not be construed to be a gift.