WCCO's Pat Kessler reported how legislators bump their salaries with "per diem" expense payments in the State House - and Lyndon Carlson's explanations:

Minnesota lawmakers don't earn much from their salary, but almost all of them are taking home many thousands of dollars more in their paychecks.

Part-time lawmakers earn about $31,000 a year and haven't had a raise since 1999, but almost all of them boost their incomes through per diem payments.

What may surprise some is the fact that not all lawmakers' per diems are equal.

"Per diem reflects work load," explained Rep. Lyn Carlson (D). "With the state's budgetary problems, this has been a particularly busy period of time for those of us involved in state finances."

Lawmakers can receive per diem payments all year long, including seven days a week when in session, even if they are not physically at the Capitol. No receipts, no questions asked. Travel and lodging are considered extra expenses, covered outside of per diem.

Carlson took more per diem than any other House member, earning nearly $17,000. He said he is proud of his 100 percent attendance record, and he says he headed multiple committees dealing with Minnesota's deficit.

Rep. Carlson is "dealing with Minnesota's deficit" by adding to it with per diem expenses, but his fellow DFL Rep. Steve Simon from St. Louis Park accepts no per diem. We looked up our other two DFL legislators' earnings at the Rochester Post Bulletin's database:

Rep. Sandra Peterson (D) 45-A:

• 2009: $10,179.94
• 2008: $8,826.30
• 2007: $11,525.23

Sen. Ann Rest (D) 45:

• 2009: $17,996.20
• 2008: $20,775.06
• 2007: $25,590.23