Garofalo to Forgo Per Diem Compensation During Special Session

One of Lakeville's Republican state representatives said Friday that he will decline to receive compensation eligible to him during an anticipated special session.

A special session is expected as Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican-led Legislature work to agree on a budget plan.

State Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-District 36B), of Farmington, will forgo the $77 in per diem compensation he's allowed to collect when the Legislature is in session.

The governor vetoed the Legislature’s package of finance bills May 24, one day after the 2011 regular session adjourned.

“Not getting a budget agreement with the governor shouldn’t turn into a financial windfall for legislators,” Garofalo said. “We sent the governor a balanced budget with record-high spending and no tax increases, and I’m disappointed that he chose to veto it because it didn’t raise taxes. But the fact is he did and that means there will be a special session.”

A budget solution hinges on finding resolution in these two approaches: The Legislature’s proposal allows for a 6-percent spending growth in the upcoming biennium, while remaining within the $34 billion in projected state revenue. The governor favors spending $1.8 billion beyond that threshold, raising taxes to help pay for it.