Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Council could set legislators’ pay

Published (5/16/2008)
By Lee Ann Schutz
Share on: 



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.”

Session Weekly More...


Session Weekly Home



Related Stories


First Reading: A grand finale
Foregoing the usual partisan warfare, all sides declare victory in 2008 session
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
Concern over REAL ID makes for strange bedfellows
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

Stepping Down: Three more say goodbye
Heidgerken, A. Peterson and Ruth make late departure announcements
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

Minnesota Index
Figures and statistics on the 2008 legislative session
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

Stepping Down: Reassessing priorities
After years of public service, Berns steps down to focus on his family
(view full story) Published 5/16/2008

Resources: Tallying the votes
What you should know first about how your legislator votes
(view full story) 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
(view full story) Published 5/2/2008

Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
(view full story) Published 5/2/2008

Feature: Leap of faith
Legislators find political refuge in fellowship
(view full story) Published 5/2/2008

Stepping Down: Back to Bemidji
Moe takes a break from politics to focus on life at home
(view full story) Published 4/25/2008

At Issue: ‘Garbage’ or good legislation?
Omnibus bill can be one legislator’s junk, another’s treasure
(view full story) Published 4/11/2008

Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
After 12 years, Tingelstad to focus on family
(view full story) Published 4/4/2008

Stepping Down: Do right by the people
DeLaForest thankful for the ‘awesome responsibility’ of serving
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

Stepping Down: New house means leaving the House
Personal move leads to a professional change for Kranz
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
After 24 years in the House, Ozment prepares to step down
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

Stepping Down: Rejuvenation for Walker
First black woman to serve in the House hopes for renewal time
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
(view full story) Published 2/15/2008