Minnesota voters will have one state constitutional amendment issue on the ballot when they go to the polls Tuesday.

 

They will be asked if the state should form an independent 16-member body, formed equally of Democrat and Republicans, to review and raise salaries to legislators.

 

A “yes” vote would form such a board to set salaries of legislators, thereby taking away their power to set their own salaries.

 

 A “no” vote opposes such a citizen-run board, thereby allowing legislators to determine their own salaries.

 

Opponents of the proposal say it would place too much power in the hands of such a committee. They also advocate for the transparency of citizenry knowing how their legislators voted in terms of their own salaries.

 

Supporters of the proposal say it would take responsibility for such pay hikes out of the hands of the legislators.

 

Legislators haven’t had a pay increase since 1999; they are making $31,141 for the part-time job.

 

Voters who fail to vote on this issue are in effect casting a “No” vote. The issue requires a majority of voters in support to be passed.