Residual Forces

Molosus over at Freedom Dogs has a pretty good reminder of just where the DFl priorities were back in April 2007.

In a meeting held in a conference room with no television access, out of the view of citizens they are meant to represent, the DFL controlled rules committee voted last week to DOUBLE the budgets for House Committees.  The budget was increased from $324,000 to $646,000.

Republican House Minority Leader, Marty Seifert issued a press release which I think reflects the sentiments of the majority of Minnesotans…

“This gross increase in legislative bureaucracy is excessive and unnecessary,� said House Republican Leader Marty Seifert. �I am shocked the House Democrats doubled their own budget at a time when families are trying to pay their property taxes and live within their means. We need investments in Minnesota, not investments in the Legislature.�
“I don’t know a lot of regular, hard working Minnesotans getting back-to-back pay raises within a year,� Seifert said.  “When I talk to truckers, waitresses and secretaries, I know that they are not getting these types of raises.”

And the DFL Legislature (behind closed doors) even went so far as to raise their mileage allowances, no doubt to fund the gas tax increases they longed to pass.

Another concern to Seifert is that House Democrats increased legislators� gas payments for inner district travel. Under the formula, one rural Democrat lawmaker could take home over $1600 each month in district mileage.  These increases come only a few months after the DFL majority legislature voted themselves both a pay raise and a per diem increase in the last session.

I find it ironic that the people who are trying the hardest to raise the price of gas by increasing gas taxes are the first to meet at the capitol and give themselves protection by raising their gas mileage payments, courtesy of the state treasury” Seifert said..

How soon we forget of the power and money grab the Democrats got away with last session. And now, today, they are going to reach deeper into your pockets to pay for their mistakes in priority.

Pawlenty is seeking an agreement on a  “Comprehensive Transportation Bill” in order to call a special session.

I am worried. VERY VERY worried.

Filed under: Socialized Transportation