WINONA, Minn. — State Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, said the frequency of special sessions for the Minnesota Legislature – seven last year – has lulled legislators into a state of procrastination. Lawmakers know they’ll be back for another vote if they don’t get their work done within the 120 days mandated in the state constitution, Miller said in a KWNO radio interview. A solution? “Perhaps if you don’t get your work done in regular session, maybe pay is withheld until the budget is passed or something along those lines,” said Miller. “If there’s no deadline, if there’s no sense of urgency, nothing is going to get done.” Miller is president of the State Senate. He is paid $66,500, other legislators $48,250. In addition there is $66 a day for lodging, meals and other personal expenses. For a 120-day session, this per diem is an extra $9,920. Every three-day special session is $598 plus per diem.
Earlier: Pelowski: Time for a year-around state Legislature?
Miller. How about tying solons’ paychecks to the deadline.