Legislators currently set their own salary. That could change if voters approve a constitutional amendment putting the task in the hands of an independent citizen-only compensation council.
Rep. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley) sponsors HF3796 to address the current method of determining legislator salaries, which he calls a “conflict of interest.” The bill would ask voters at November general election to amend the state constitution removing legislators’ ability to set their own salaries and establish a citizen-only compensation council to make pay recommendations. The council would be appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court and the governor.
Approved by the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee May 6, it awaits action by the full House.
The annual legislative salary of $31,140 has not been increased since 1999. Legislators are eligible to receive a per diem, which is a daily payment available when they are engaged in official business. Members raised the per diem payment in 2007 to $77 a day for the House members and $96 for senators. They are also reimbursed for housing, travel and other expenses.
Some members are concerned that the low pay and extended hours prohibit the average person from serving, especially those with a young family.
“We really need to embrace people, to keep people in the Legislature that are people who are not wealthy. Frankly I don’t know of many people in my district who could afford to be in the Legislature,” said Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake).
The stress on family life and career is a major concern to at least one first-term House member, Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley). He said the time commitment and “the black hole into which we disappear when we come over here” make it difficult to maintain career obligations. He suggested the rules by which the House operates should be reevaluated, so that House members can expect better use of their time.
A companion bill, SF3793, sponsored by Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), was amended and recommended to pass May 8 by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
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