Senate panel to examine MnSCU payouts

A Minnesota Senate panel will meet next week to look into vacation, sick time and retirement payments to government employees, including officials with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system.

The Senate Subcommittee on Employee Relations announced today that the hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19. The hearing will also provide an update on union contract negotiations. According to a news release, Senators plan to "gather more information on the depth and extent of reported allegations, review the current compensation plans, and address any inadequacies in the system."

Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, announced back in November that he would hold a hearing to address the issue.

"Recent reports suggest that MnSCU administrators and employees in other areas of the government workforce have received excessive vacation and sick time payouts upon leaving or retiring from their position," Parry said at the time. "Reported amounts range from a single individual payout of over $300,000 to more than $86 million total paid from 2009-2011."

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.