Gov. Mark Dayton told the Republican chairwoman of House State Government Finance Committee that he will host an open meeting with her and other lawmakers to discuss recent pay raises for his commissioners, also pointing out recent raises by House staffers.
Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth, sent a letter to Dayton on Tuesday morning, offering him the opportunity to testify before the committee on Thursday or the following Tuesday to defend $800,000 in yearly pay raises for his commissioners. Republicans cried foul over the raises, but Dayton said they were necessary to attract top talent.
In his letter, Dayton did not agree to testify, but said that he "would be glad to host a meeting with you and other legislators to answer your questions and to discuss the role of administrative salraries in the governance of Minnesota." The meeting should be open to the press, Dayton said.
The DFL governor also lashed back, saying the House Republican Caucus executive director, Ben Golnik, is paid $123,791 after a $16,171 salary bump after the GOP assumed the majority in January. Dayton also pointed out that the House's Chief Clerk, a nonpartisan position held by Patrick Murphy, is paid $148,000 after a $32,508 increase.
"It is my assumption that, like me, you made these salary decisions to attract and retain the best possible talent to serve the people of Minnesota, and the State Legislature."
Read Dayton's letter here:
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