Emmer Once Defended Himself for Taking the Benefits He is Now Criticizing

Emmer Once Defended Himself for Taking the Benefits He is Now Criticizing

Candidate Emmer Proposes To Cut Benefits, Per Diems for Elected Officials, Says They Create "Career Politicians"

In an interview with the St. Cloud Times, Republican gubernatorial candidate refused to give specifics about his plan to address Minnesota's budget deficit, save one:

Emmer proposed one cost-cutting move: eliminating job benefits and per-diems for state and local elected officials. Minnesota's constitutional officers and legislators receive benefits including health insurance, pensions and per diems, which may be claimed for attending meetings and other events.

Such perks encourage public servants to become career politicians, Emmer said.

"People seek to serve, and once they get elected, it's too good a gig to give up," Emmer said. 

In 2005, Emmer Publicly Defended Per Diems Saying Legislators "Have No Apologies To Make" for Taking Them

While some politicians have chosen not to claim per diem, Emmer has been unapologetic in receiving the perk - even defending it. On September 5, 2005 article in the Pioneer Press says:

But Rep. Tom Emmer, a freshman Republican from Delano, said he and the other legislators who claimed per diems have no apologies to make. Emmer, an attorney, said the $1,320 he earned in special session per diems was far less than he would have made in his law practice. 'You're talking to a guy who at 44 years old made a significant personal and financial sacrifice to serve my constituents,' Emmer said.

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