SAINT PAUL, MINN— On Tuesday, a report emerged that Governor Dayton approved potentially unauthorized taxpayer-funded severance payments of nearly $80,000 to state employees who voluntarily departed. The most generous severance agreement, awarded to a former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, came on the heels of massive taxpayer-funded pay increases authorized by Governor Dayton. This commissioner was previously a top staffer on Dayton's campaign for governor in 2010.
Compensation is governed by the Managerial Plan, which is ratified by the legislature, and generally does not allow for severance of this amount for commissioners who resign voluntarily.
Representative Marion O’Neill (R-Maple Lake) released the following statement regarding these severance payouts:
“Wright County taxpayers helped foot the bill for nearly $80,000 in severance payments to state employees in the Dayton Administration. This kind of political payout in state government is not only inappropriate, but also disrespectful to hardworking taxpayers who rightly expect state government to use their taxpayer dollars prudently and appropriately. I call on Governor Dayton to explain his actions to the Minnesota citizens he serves.”