His first idea for transforming Minnesota government is the completely politically safe proposal to cut legislator pay and per diems.
First of all, this will make no difference in the budget. Even a 10% cut (steep by any standard) would save maybe $1 million in a budget of over $15 billion (0.1%).
Emmer thinks that the salary and benefits for legislators create "career politicians," a vague term that seems to imply he would prefer laws to come from amateurs rather than professionals.
Not to mention, I doubt there are many legislators in it for the pay.
Legislators make $35,000 a year for "part-time" work that includes three months of full time labor (January-March) and two months of 18-hour days (April-May) followed by district meetings, fundraising, and campaign work.
I'll be waiting to hear his next amazing proposal for transforming government with bated breath.
1 comment:
Snarktastic!
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