Our State legislators will see a pay cut this year. Via KEYC TV:

Minnesota senators will get $10 less a day in their daily expense payments, it's all a part of belt-tightening promoted by the new Republican majority. The senate rules and administration committee approved the 10 Percent reduction [January 10]. The move cuts per diem payments to $86 from their previous level of $96 a day. It's part of GOP efforts to reign in government spending as the state is facing a $6.2 Billion deficit over the next two years. F-Y-I The base salary for Minnesota lawmakers is just over $31,000, plus allowances for daily living expenses, lodging, mileage and telecommunications.

We reported last year that SD45 DFL Rep. Lyndon Carlson was the leader in 2009 in per diem earnings of $16,935.98. In 2010 his earnings were $12, 012.00. The total for both years puts him as the highest earner of per diem in the state, even though he lives about 18 miles from the Capitol. Click here to see the full chart (via Politics in MN). Sandra Peterson (D-45A) earned $7,700.00 and Senator Ann Rest (D-45) took home $11,904.00 in 2010. Per diem income is added to their annual salaries, and Minnesotans pay for both with our taxes.

While we applaud the reduction in daily expenses for legislators, we hope that our local DFL legislative leaders contribute to cutting wasteful spending when they live so close to work.