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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Barrett (R)

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Legislative Update

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It was revealed to the Legislative Coordinating Commission last week that Governor Mark Dayton approved $800,000 in pay increases for 26 of his already well paid commissioners. The increase, which could cost taxpayers more than $1.6 million over the biennium, comes from bills passed into law by the DFL-controlled legislature and Governor Dayton in 2013.

These pay rises are excessive, unnecessary and don’t reflect the priorities of average Minnesotans. By approving exorbitant salary increases for political appointees, many of whom already make six-figure salaries, Governor Dayton has proved he is tone deaf to the realities, struggles and job challenges of taxpayers and Minnesota families.

Overall, 26 commissioners and department heads received pay increases. They received raises ranging from between 19 and 58 percent. The smallest raise was $11,000 while 25 of the remaining 26 department heads received raises of more than $20,000.

Many whose current pay was already over $119,000 per year received pay increases of $35,000, making their new pay $154,000 a year. Additionally, the Metropolitan Council Chair went from $58,449 a year to $144,991 with the change from part-time to full-time status.

It’s extremely unfortunate that Governor Dayton approved huge salary increases for these already very well paid commissioners. Minnesotans should be demanding answers about why he thinks this is the best use of our tax dollars.

Additionally, to add insult to injury, the head of the Gambling Control Board, whose projections on Electronic Pull Tab revenue to fund the new Viking Stadium failed by epic proportions (he was off by 100 percent) received a pay increase of 26 percent amounting to an extra $25,000. Minnesota’s taxes were increased by $350 million dollars to cover this Electronic Pull-tab shortfall.

Defending these pay increases, Governor Dayton said, “In state government we need to keep and attract the best talented people. People who have families with children in college and the like. It’s essential to pay them closer to what they are worth.”

The legislature will be looking more into these expensive pay raises for the governor's political appointees in the coming weeks.

Please stop by the capitol or send me an e-mail if I can be of assistance to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Bob

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