Dear Friends,
Yesterday I spoke with WCCO about a report that Governor Dayton approved more than $700,000 in pay increases for his commissioners and political appointees, nearly all of which were already making six-figure salaries. The commissioners all received double-digit increases ranging from about $11,000 to more than $35,000.
These changes were made two years ago during single-party control, raising the limit for salaries and giving power to the Governor to raise pay without legislative approval. They also come at a time when at least one department is making layoffs and asking for more funding due to a budget shortfall, and another is under investigation after reports that a taxpayer-funded group misspent more than $1 million in public money.
Many families here in our district and across the state would love a small pay increase, let alone $10,000 or more per year. It's unfortunate and disappointing that while take-home pay for many families remains flat, and many are struggling to make ends meet that the Governor would dramatically increase salaries for these public servants.
I realize and appreciate the need to attract high-quality people to work in a Governor's cabinet, but the salaries we have for these commissioners were already quite generous, and don't even account for the great benefits given to state employees and top commissioners. Public service is just that—service. If you're looking to get rich, there are plenty of opportunities in the private sector where you can earn a larger salary not funded by taxpayers.
All Things Considered
I joined DFL Sen. Dan Sparks from Austin, MN on MPR's "All Things Considered" earlier this week to talk about my first month at the legislature, and about some of the issues happening at the Capitol. If you'd like to listen, you can find the clip here.
Constituent Visits
Thanks to constituents from Minnesota Clean Energy & Jobs for stopping by my office on Monday.
Another thanks to Damon from U.S. Bank for visiting as a part of the Minnesota Banker's Association "Bank Day" at the Capitol.
Have a great weekend,
Roz Peterson
State Representative, District 56B