Speed Gibson

Believe it or not, I think our state Representatives and Senators are underpaid. The era of a citizen, part-time legislature is over. The way they are paid is also dated.

Currently, they make about $31,000 per year, plus an in-session per diem that was recently raised, apparently illegally per the Minnesota Constitution. Outstate members can get a $1,300 monthly housing allowance. They also qualify for a public pension.

Here's what I propose:

1. A salary of $50,000 per year, effective with the 2009 session. Salary begins as soon as you as elected, ends on election day when you lose or retire. Salary is pro-rated for partial years served, such as for special elections.


2. Newly elected members receive one month of additional pay up front for transition. Departing members receive one month of additional pay for every year served, again as transition.


3. The per diem is abolished. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed by submitting expense reports, just as in the private sector which eliminated per diems decades ago. Entertainment expenses receive particular scrutiny, just as in the private sector. Expense reports must be submitted promptly. When approved, a one page summary of every expense report is made public information.


4. The public pension is abolished, replaced by an equivalent IRA option. As the USA Today reported, less than 20 percent of private sector workers receive pensions, while more than 80 percent of public workers do. This makes it easier to transition between public and private sector employment.


5. The housing allowances (and car allowances or similar if any) are eliminated. Such expenses are expensed as they occur, with appropriate justification, particularly when not in session. I acknowledge that this could raise the total amount of money spent, but it avoids arbitrary rules like the 50 mile radius and promotes transparency.


6. Legislators are covered by a $25,000 (50%) life insurance policy.


7. Health care benefits continue as is, comparable to other state-wide office holders.


8. No other benefits, including disability insurance are provided.


9. As a full time, salaried position, there is no sick leave nor the means to accumulate unused amounts for later compensation. There being obvious, ample opportunity for personal vacations each year, there is no formal paid time off policy nor the means to accumulate unused amounts for later compensation. There is no premium pay for weekends and off hours.


10. A bonus of $10,000 (20%) will be paid to each legislator when they get their work done on time, by April 30th in odd years, by March 31st in even years. On time means both chambers adjourn sine die.


11. An additional bonus of $10,000 (20%) will be paid to each legislator if no special session is called.


12. All salaries and bonuses are indexed for inflation (CPI) for a lifetime maximum of twelve years in the Legislature, in either chamber.