Tag: Kurt Daudt

Speaker Daudt’s Sweetheart Deal

Kurt DaudtThis morning, DFL State Chair Ken Martin, held a press conference on House Speaker Kurt Daudt’s debt situation.  Here’s his remarks:

Thank you for joining us here today.

Last week we learned that debt collectors have sued Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt three times in the past year over thousands of dollars in credit card charges, and that he also was late paying taxes for land he owns.

First, before I begin, let me tell you what this press conference is NOT about.  It is not about someone dealing with credit card debt or financial difficulties, many Minnesotans face similar challenges. This is also not about someone facing legal challenges, which again too many Minnesotans coming out of the Great Recession have to endure. 

This is about a powerful person using their powerful friends and influence to get out of their trouble.  While ordinary Minnesotans deal with issue like these daily without help from powerful friends, Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt used his connections and influence to get out of his financial difficulties.  If only other Minnesotans had the same opportunity. 

Real Minnesotans don’t have a lobbying firm in their corner to get them out of trouble. Real Minnesotans pay their bills or face the consequences. Real Minnesotans facing financial troubles are focused on feeding their families and keeping the lights on, not taking trips around the world, or driving a fancy Lexus like Kurt Daudt.  Continue reading “Speaker Daudt’s Sweetheart Deal”

Rep. Daudt’s Flip Flop on Remodeling Money

Flipo FlopsPatrick Condon with the StarTribune published an article in the August 25, 2015 issue of that paper titled “Speaker says additional Capitol restoration money he sought should be spent where it’s most needed”.  In it, Mr. Condon details Rep. Daudt’s comments at the State Capitol Preservation Commission meeting.  Even with a written e-mail chain showing the money request for the House Majority Caucus space upgrades came from his office.

Sounds like a pretty visual and loud flip flop to us.

You can read the original article here.

Speaker Daudt Cannot be Trusted

08.21.15.daudtleftThis week Minnesotans learned that Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt lobbied for $2 million in furniture for the Minnesota Capitol, including $10,000 for a door for his new “Speaker’s suite.”

“Daudt couldn’t find $30,000 to help Minnesota’s deaf children, but he wants to turn our Capitol restoration into his personal version of HGTV’s ‘Property Brothers’ using taxpayer dollars,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin.

Once again Daudt has shown he cannot be trusted, Martin said. Daudt promised to rein in government spending, but in addition to his $10,000 door voted for the largest budget in state history. Daudt promised to make rural communities a priority, and then zeroed out funding to expand broadband. Daudt promised to fix our roads and bridges but did nothing to make this a reality.

“Minnesotans deserve a leader who will be responsible with state resources and take the steps to grow Minnesota’s economy and open the doors of success to everyone.”

House GOP Upped Budget for Capitol Furniture $2 Million

Ornate DoorThe Democrats are the party of spending taxpayers money according to the Republicans, right?  Not really.  Especially if you think you’re keeping the spending on the down low, it seems.

In this year’s legislative session, the House Republicans “quietly pushed to bump up the furnishings allocation by $2 million, or 45 percent.” the Associated Press reports.  In addition to more “historically compatible furniture in spaces, higher-end upholstery, refinished hardwood flooring rather than carpet in leadership offices” there’s that $10,000 for a door on House Speaker Daudt’s office suite. (That must be some door.)

Speaker Daudt’s position is this is “to take it back as close to 1905 as we could.” If that’s the case, why did they bury the increase in a borrowing plan that “emerged just days before it was voted on in a June special session”?

As WCCO reported:

“Emails and other agency documents obtained under a government records request the AP made in late June reflect how top aides for Daudt approached state officials about going beyond the original scope. In response, the officials prepared estimates: $1 million to go from mid-range to high-end seating in committee rooms and other parts of the Capitol; $20,312 to refinish oak floors in four leadership offices rather than laying down carpet; and $10,033 for the door and custom hardware.

While the estimates were discussed internally, agency officials spoke in broader terms about $1.3 million in extra costs for upgraded features. Daudt said the GOP opted to set aside $2 million in case bids come in higher. “If we don’t need it, we don’t need it,” he said.

By comparison, the construction budget for the new Senate Office Building — a major priority of Bakk’s — projects about $4.6 million will be spent on desks, tables, chairs and other furniture and fixtures. Senators will move in early next year.”