Tuesday, December 13, 2011

12/13/11 Poor Stewardship Or Disregard Neither Good


MN Statute 3.101 Living Expenses, in part states: ‘A member of the legislature in addition… shall be reimbursed for living and other expenses incurred in the performance of duties or engaging in official business during a regular or special session……’  This is what is commonly known as ‘per diem.’ For 2011, the Legislature set the amount at $77.00 per day of per diem for transportation to and from the capitol and lodging.

Prior to session, each legislator sets a customized payment schedule for receiving per diem; similarly, HD 50-A Representative Carolyn Laine, scheduled herself to receive per diem 7 days a week throughout 2011 session. 

During January 2011 session, Rep. Laine developed a serious medical condition requiring hospitalization and home recovery resulting in an absence 38 out of 64 days or 59% of the “Legislative Days” defined as officially conducting business in the House Chambers; of 143 calendar days Carolyn missed 98 days or 68.5%, days per diem is based on. Carolyn still took full per diem during the session totaling $10,549.00, just $131.00 shy of what the Speaker of the House, Kurt Zellers (R) Maple Grove, received and he missed just a couple session days.  

Additionally, Carolyn pledged not to take compensation, along with about 16 other House Representatives, during the state government shutdown yet reporting information shows she applied for and received full retroactive compensation after the 2011 special session.

We all understand the need for Carolyn to take time off to address personal health issues and want her to do so; we wish her a full recovery.  Her time off is not at issue; the questions that do beckon to be answered are:  Have Carolyn’s actions relative to per diem and compensation pledges violated public trust or her credibility as our representative in our Constitutional Republic?  Is this an appropriate way to demonstrate good stewardship of taxpayer money?  Do these actions warrant Carolyn’s continued employment by this House District?  The decision remains in the hands of “We the People”.


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Tim Utz for Minnesota House in 2012

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