Representatives to get pay increase after Speaker Kurt Daudt drops fight
House Speaker Kurt Daudt is dropping his legal fight to block a salary increase for legislators recommended by a constitutionally mandated council.
Daudt had gone to court to defend his position that members of the Minnesota House of Representatives should continue to be paid $31,140 per year, as they have for nearly two decades. Minnesota senators have been receiving a $45,000 annual salary since July 1, as set by a voter-approved council, but Daudt directed the House comptroller to continue paying representatives the old salary.
Daudt’s rationale: While the constitutional amendment voters approved in November authorized a panel to set legislative salary, it didn’t appropriate the money to pay for that higher salary.
On Friday, Daudt announced he’s dropping his resistance.
“At this point, it’s probably unwise for us to continue to use taxpayer dollars to get a clarification (from the courts),” Daudt said on the TPT Almanac show. “I am going to instruct our staff to begin paying these salaries beginning Aug. 1.”
Read more: http://www.twincities.com/2017/07/21/representatives-to-get-pay-increase-after-speaker-kurt-daudt-drops-fight/