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RELEASE: Daudt calls on Governor to explain taxpayer-funded severance checks

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

ST. PAUL, MN—House Speaker Kurt Daudt is calling on Governor Dayton to explain potentially unauthorized taxpayer-funded severance payments after a report emerged Tuesday that his administration awarded nearly $80,000 to state employees who voluntarily departed. The most generous severance agreement, awarded to a former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, came on the heels of massive taxpayer-funded pay increases authorized by Governor Dayton. This commissioner was previously a top staffer on Dayton's campaign for governor in 2010.

Compensation is governed by the Managerial Plan, which is ratified by the legislature, and generally does not allow for severance of this amount for commissioners who resign voluntarily.

"Once again, Governor Dayton has disrespected taxpayers and used their money to inappropriately reward his top officials who are already making six-figure salaries," Daudt said. "Today's report highlights the importance of House Republicans' role as a check and balance on Democrats' wasteful spending. Democrats have awarded bonuses to MNsure executives, pay raises to top administration officials, and now unwarranted severance checks. It's time for them to stop rewarding their high-paid friends and start respecting the tax dollars of hardworking Minnesotans."

Daudt said Republicans plan to introduce legislation next session aimed at explicitly prohibiting the Governor from awarding severance checks to political appointees who resign voluntarily to prevent any future waste of taxpayer dollars.

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