Big government is getting fatter.

Hold on to your wallets again Minnesota - the cost of government is going up again!

"Expense checks for state legislators are on the way up after bipartisan votes Wednesday to raise daily allowances and lodging reimbursements, regarded by some as a pay increase in disguise.
The maximum daily allowances for meals and incidental costs for state senators jumped from $66 to $96, a 45 percent increase. In the House, the rate climbed to $77. Both chambers also sweetened housing reimbursement programs for members who have to uproot themselves during the session.
"We're all entitled to a little cost-of-living allowance now and again," said Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina." (emphasis mine)

You are WHAT Representative Erhardt????? Entitled????? When do the voters get their cost of living allowance?????

Now I certainly understand a per diem for those representatives who live in outstate Minnesota and who need to rent an apartment for session, but you get to go home and sleep in your own bed and see your family every night Representative Erhardt! You do not have to travel further than any normal commuter who lives in the 7 county metro! We certainly don't get milage and paid meals and a housing allowance just because we work for a living!

Thank goodness for common sense legislators like Representative Mark Buesgens of Jordan.

"Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, argued the boost stretches the constitutional bar. "I don't believe we should be backdooring" a pay increase, he said. "If $77 a day is what's needed for food," Buesgens added, "that's some awful rich eating."

I would agree wholeheartedly Rep. Buesgens. That is awfully rich eating especially for Minneapolis.

The legislature needs to start living within their means like the people that they represent do. Then maybe they will actually start representing us as opposed to "ruling" over us.