Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Pay raise deal ready for final votes

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

IMG_0576
MMB Commissioner Myron Frans appeared before a House/Senate conference committee to discuss pay raises. Tim Pugmire|MPR News

The Minnesota House and Senate will take final action Thursday on legislation to delay DFL Gov. Mark Dayton’s big raises for commissioners until July 1.

On Wednesday night, House and Senate negotiators approved the conference report on a divided voice vote. The report reflects a deal reached between Dayton and legislative leaders. It will shift authority over the raises back to the Legislature on July 2.

That provision effectively gives Dayton a one-day window to reinstate the raises. Minnesota Management & Budget Commissioner Myron Frans asked lawmakers to add clarification in the bill that the raises won’t be reinstated automatically.

“I’m just simply saying that we think there is some ambiguity there,” Frans said. “But we interpret it to be clear that the governor has authority on July 1

st

to make those determinations, and the governor will do whatever the governor decides to do on that date.”

Some lawmakers assume Dayton will use the window to reinstate the same raises. But House Ways and Means Chair Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, said he’ll wait and see what the governor decides to do.

“I wouldn’t automatically assume that the governor is going to give the same raises on July 1

st

,” Knoblach said. “I guess in some cases, if this becomes law and the governor has that authority, I would encourage him to carefully consider what those salaries should be, as I’m sure he will.”

The pay raise provisions are part of a broader bill that solves some short-term budget problems at three state departments and the Minnesota Zoo.