Is the current method of legislators setting their own salaries a conflict of interest, or is it a matter of remaining accountable to voters?
In the end, the House voted 91-43 May 12 to put before voters at the November election a question to amend the state constitution to remove legislators’ ability to set their own salaries, and establish a citizen-only compensation council to make pay recommendations. It awaits action by the full Senate.
Rep. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), who sponsors HF3796*/SF3793 with Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), calls the current method of salary determination a “conflict of interest.”
Successfully amended by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph), the council would also consider the amount of per diem payments. Per diem is a daily payment available when legislators are engaged in official business.
The annual compensation rate of $31,140 for legislators has not been increased since 1999. Members raised the per diem payment in 2007 to $77 a day for House members and $96 for senators. They are also reimbursed for housing and travel expenses.
Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) said it is the obligation of legislators to stand up and vote on how to spend taxpayers’ dollars. He tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill so that any recommendation put forward by the council would need legislative approval. “The arrogance of this bill is we are going to hide behind some new council to make the tough decision for us. This amendment would give us the opportunity to vote it up or vote it down.”
Eken countered, “I think it is arrogance for us to think that we should set our own salaries. I think it is arrogant for us to say that we know best what our salary should be.”
First Reading: A grand finale
Foregoing the usual partisan warfare, all sides declare victory in 2008 session
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Published 5/30/2008
At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
Concern over REAL ID makes for strange bedfellows
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Published 5/30/2008
At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
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Published 5/30/2008
Stepping Down: Three more say goodbye
Heidgerken, A. Peterson and Ruth make late departure announcements
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Published 5/30/2008
Minnesota Index
Figures and statistics on the 2008 legislative session
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Published 5/30/2008
Stepping Down: Reassessing priorities
After years of public service, Berns steps down to focus on his family
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Published 5/16/2008
Resources: Tallying the votes
What you should know first about how your legislator votes
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Published 5/9/2008
At Issue: A little-used tool in the toolbox
Governor can use unallotment to balance state’s budget if legislators do not
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Published 5/2/2008
Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
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Published 5/2/2008
Feature: Leap of faith
Legislators find political refuge in fellowship
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Published 5/2/2008
Stepping Down: Back to Bemidji
Moe takes a break from politics to focus on life at home
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Published 4/25/2008
At Issue: ‘Garbage’ or good legislation?
Omnibus bill can be one legislator’s junk, another’s treasure
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Published 4/11/2008
Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
After 12 years, Tingelstad to focus on family
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Published 4/4/2008
Stepping Down: Do right by the people
DeLaForest thankful for the ‘awesome responsibility’ of serving
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: New house means leaving the House
Personal move leads to a professional change for Kranz
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
After 24 years in the House, Ozment prepares to step down
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Rejuvenation for Walker
First black woman to serve in the House hopes for renewal time
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Published 3/28/2008
Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
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Published 2/15/2008