Citizens for Rule of Law v. Senate Committee on Rules & Administration

OPINION

KLAPHAKE, Judge.

Appellants challenge a district court order dismissing their constitutional challenge to increases in legislative per diem allowances. Because we conclude that the per diem increases did not violate the Minnesota Constitution, we affirm.

FACTS

In 2007, committees in both houses of the Minnesota Legislature approved an increase to the maximum per diem allowance for their members’ living expenses, the senate from $66 to $96, and the house from $66 to $77. The increases were effective immediately.

In February 2008, appellants, state taxpayers, legislators, and an association…