By William Schaffer

Austin

 

Yes, we have to cut the size of our legislature.

With 134 representatives and 67 senators, Minnesota has one of the largest legislatures in the United States per capita, representing 5.4 million people per our last census. No longer are we in the horse and buggy days. It’s time to amend our Constitution. The political party that takes the initiative to amend the Constitution and reduce our legislature will be well rewarded.

California has a population of 37.3 million by the last census. The Senate has 40 members and the House of Representatives 80. Check the states around us. They all have smaller legislative bodies.

Many states are considering or have reduced the number of legislators; Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Nebraska, Kansas and many more; it’s time, our legislature is in session.

On Tuesday, lawmakers asked for a pay raise in a new Senate budget proposal. If they need a raise, first cut the size of the legislature.

Lawmakers earn $31,140 for work in a 142-day session. Now do they need a raise of $9,750, according to the Associated Press?