Saint Paul, MN—In response to recent news of Governor Dayton unilaterally approving more than $800,000 in salary increases to commissioners and political appointees, Rep. Roz Peterson, R-Lakeville, has introduced legislation to put pay decisions for commissioners back in the hands of the legislature.
“Minnesotans are upset that the Governor decided to give pay raises to commissioners who already make six-figure salaries without input or approval from the public,” Peterson said. “That’s why I’m introducing legislation to remove Governor Dayton’s ability to unilaterally approve salary increases, and put the decision back in the hands of the legislature where the public can add their voice and weigh in on salary decisions. Taxpayers are the ones who fund these salaries, they should get a say in the process.”
Peterson’s bill HF666, which was introduced during Monday’s legislative session, would reverse a 2013 law passed by the DFL-controlled legislature and signed by Governor Dayton. The law allows the Governor to unilaterally increase the pay of his commissioners and political appointees without approval from the legislature or the public.
Governor Dayton’s pay increases amount to more than $800,000 per year, and went into effect in early January. The Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC) was notified of the pay increases last week on February 4 in accordance with state law.
The bill was referred to the Government Operations Committee.
###