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Do Democrats deserve a pay increase?

Friday, May 9, 2014
Dear Friends,
 
Do you think legislators deserve a pay raise? Apparently my Democrat colleagues think so. Last year they passed a constitutional amendment to establish a Legislative Salary Council that would take the issue out of the hands of legislators and put it in the hands of a nonpartisan council. Yesterday, Democrats passed a bill that would establish the Legislative Salary Council if the amendment is passed on the ballot in 2016.
 
On its face, that sounds pretty harmless, right? Unfortunately what Democrats know is that nearly every state that has established a Legislative Salary Council has increased legislator pay. In fact, the only instance in recent history where legislator pay has been lowered was in California during a budget crisis. Legislators there already make over $100,000 per year.
 
Make no mistake: this legislation will result in a pay increase for legislators. This is unacceptable, and another example of Democrats putting self service before public service.
 
After a $2.1 billion tax increase to pay for the largest spending increase in Minnesota history, pay increases for other politicians, approving an $89 million Senate Office building, and bringing ObamaCare to Minnesota, do you really think Democrats deserve a pay raise? That was the question I asked my Democrat colleagues on the floor yesterday. You can watch that speech by clicking here or on the image below.

 
 
We have just ten days left to complete our work for the 2014 legislative session. If you have any questions or comments about any piece of legislation as we finish up, I hope you'll contact my office at 651-296-5364 or email me at rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn.
 
Have a great weekend,
 
Kurt Daudt
House GOP Leader
State Representative, District 31A