(MN) Constitutional Amendment - ballot initiative

[Mr. Brooks]

Why is it hard to find a job where you are free to do something else 4 months per year?

 

Seriously?

Do these people currently not have regular careers?

I'm assuming most, if not all do.

Perhaps I'm wrong. I'm sorry if I am.

[Mr. Brooks]

I'd say it's both.

Teachers are not elected officials, though I understand your point.

[Craig Arko]

So I voted yes to this, although I have one question remaining: who will set the pay for the committee of people who set the pay for the legislators? 

[Mr. Brooks]

A couple of additional thoughts on my stance.

 

1) Keep in mind they also get a per diem, of $96 per day- there are millions of workers who make less than that in base pay.

That doesn't include lodging reimbursement for outstate legislators, which is up to $1200 per month.

 

That works out to an additional pay of up to 16k per year in 2015.

 

Leadership positions also pay bonuses of up to 12k per year.

 

It blows my mind that we live in a society where this is considered potentially underpaid for 4 months of work.

Perhaps that is why there is such a sharp divide between classes in this country right now.

 

2) I'd consider making it a full time position- and having the pay reflect that, if the compromise was stiff term limits, and a lifetime ban on lobbying.

 

I'm very wary of career politicians.

 

Now, maybe I'm naive and there really are no qualified people who are willing to serve the public without needing to get rich from it. If that's true then we are doomed, so I choose not to belive that.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Don't forget the spanking new $90 million office building the DFL senators built for themselves. Priority #1 after they retook the senate!

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

So I voted yes to this, although I have one question remaining: who will set the pay for the committee of people who set the pay for the legislators? 

I'm guessing the directors appoint the panel?

 

 

* ok I'm done with cynicism for the day

[Craig Arko]

I'm guessing the directors appoint the panel?

 

 

* ok I'm done with cynicism for the day

I believe it said the Governor and Chief Justice would select the committee?