Minnesota State Legislators have decided to give themselves a pay increase as the rest of us suffer the austerity measures these politicians impose on us.

So; Minnesota State Legislators are going to raise their own pay... hmmmm. And what have they done to deserve a pay increase?

I assume other politicians across the country are looking to raise their own pay, too? Shouldn't all workers have the right to decide if they are entitled to a pay increase?

Maybe we, as tax-payers, should figure out what we need to do to "lock-out" politicians just like employers are doing when their employees seek better pay and benefits?

What is most interesting is that all of these politicians no matter which party are so "concerned" about tax-payers when they are running for office but after getting elected what do they do? They raise their own pay which is going to cost tax-payers money; but when it comes to:

1. Raising the minimum wage to a real living wage for all workers which would not cost tax-payers one single penny these same politicians get miserly and cheap.

In fact, this would add new revenue since workers employed at real living wages would be paying more in taxes.

2. Anti-scab legislation wouldn't cost tax-payers one single penny.

In fact, this would save tax-payers a lot of money as far as not having to provide food stamps, etc.

3. Anti-lockout legislation wouldn't cost tax-payers one single penny.

In fact, employed workers add revenue to state coffers; save in policing, etc.

4. The enforcement of Affirmative Action wouldn't cost tax-payers one single penny.

Politicians raising their own pay like the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party state legislators are proposing will cost tax-payers a bundle.

The bottom line is this:

What have Minnesota State Legislators done to improve our lives, our livelihoods and the general well-being of Minnesotan and our living environment to deserve a raise--- should legislators' pay be based on "merit" what would these politicians be worth to their bosses... Minnesota tax-payers?

I bet most tax-payers would say these politicians aren't worth what they are already being paid.

Minnesota State Legislators are working for the mining, forestry, power generating, banking and big-agribusiness industries--- yet none of these industries are getting tax increases to cover the pay of the politicians who work for THEM instead of US--- we the people.

If Minnesota politicians want a pay increase, let them increase the pathetically low present taconite tax on the mining industry and stumpage fees on the forestry industry to pay for their pay increases.

We have to remember that every time these politicians give themselves a pay increase we are taking pay cuts because their pay increases come right out of our pay-checks.

Do you want to take a pay cut so a bunch of worthless and corporate bribed Minnesota state legislators who don't give two-hoots as to whether or not you:
* have a job?
* have a decent home to live in?
* your children get a quality public education?
* you have adequate health care?
* have healthy and safe air to breath and clean water to drink? 

Like with funding these dirty wars, there is always enough money for politicians to give themselves a raise.