Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from St. Paul.
Governor Gives Pay Raises to Political Appointees
The legislature was recently notified that in January, Governor Dayton gave pay raises of between 19 and 58 percent to his commissioners, many of whom were already making six-figure salaries. This is a perfect example of government using tax dollars to serve itself instead of the people of Minnesota.
Many of Dayton’s commissioners received pay raises in the tens-of-thousands of dollars, with the top-paid positions rising to almost $155,000 a year. Family budgets and taxpayer income aren’t rising like this, so why should commissioner salaries?
The legislature has invited Governor Dayton to speak before a committee and answer these questions, giving legislators and the public a chance to voice concerns about these pay increases which will cost taxpayers $800,000 this year.
Public Safety Task Forces
This week, the Speaker of the House appointed me to three groups: the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Task Force, the Advisory Council on the Interstate Compact for Juveniles and the Advisory Council on Interstate Adult Offender Supervision.
I strongly believe that state government must do its due diligence to ensure that both victims and criminals, especially juveniles, are treated with evenhandedness from the law and that our justice system protects all citizens.
I am honored to have been nominated to these committees having served in law enforcement, and look forward to bringing my experience and ideas to these groups, helping to improve public safety policy in Minnesota.
If you ever need assistance on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here to serve you!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Brian