FreedomDogs blog gave an update on the August 14 Health Care Freedom Rallies held across the state.

The numbers opposing ObamaCare are growing, and showing up to voice concerns at representative's offices throughout the state Friday.

At Rep, Keith Ellison's office (Minneapolis), a young girl asked about the Gadsden flag and received a friendly American history lesson – explaining it showed a sign of unity and strength against England's treatment of the citizens of its new Colonies:

Dan McGrath from Minnesota Majority filmed this town meeting outside of Rep. Betty McCollum's (St. Paul) office:

Since some elected officials are avoiding public forums on health care, their constituents brought impromptu town hall meetings to the local offices of their representatives and senators on August 14th, 2009.

Our own Guy'd Dog reported on Facebook:

The wife and kids went to US Senator Amy Klobuchar's office today to discuss health care. About 50 people actually met with the staff instead. Way more than the staff expected, and 50 more were waiting for the next meeting. Literally 90% anti-ObamaCare.

We'll add more photos and reports as we get them. If you weren't able to attend Friday,  Tea Party Minnesota is planning more lunch-time rallies August 22 and 28.

Congratulations to Red and others from SD-45 who came out and show support for health care freedom. Democracy is a good thing!

Rep. Lyndon Carlson (D-45B) is again in the top of per diem (daily expenses) earners for 2008. He charged $13,860, just below fellow DFLers Tom Rukavina. Speaker Margaret Kelliher and Alan Juhnke.

Senator Ann Rest (D-45) made the top five in the senate, earning $15,936. With other line items, her total for the year reached $20,775.06.

Early this year, WCCO's Pat Kessler explained the money grab:

IN FACT, officially, the legislature meets for about 3 to 5 months every year, and lawmakers get paid $31,140 every year. They also receive daily expense payments called per diem, which originally was meal money, but now can boost their income by more than 50 percent.

It's TRUE.  Lawmakers can get up to $96 a day in the Senate and up to $77 a day in the House. They can receive per diem seven days a week during the session, even when they're not physically at the Capitol. And it counts toward their pensions.

No receipts are necessary and no questions are asked.

You can download House and Senate per diem earnings at the WCCO article. Since we taxpayers pay their salaries (and per diems), it's time we ask questions - then unseat them both in 2010.

Senate District 45 Republicans are hosting their Chili & Chat February 19 with guests Rep. Marty Seifert and Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie. All are welcome to join them and hear what's happening in the state legislature with great chili.

Topic: SURVIVING DFL Legislation & Taxes

What’s going to happen in the 2009 session as we face a 5 billion-dollar deficit? What plans do the DFL-majority legislators have in store? How do we “vote them off the island” in the next election? Hear the latest on legislative developments by local experts and lawmakers. Bring a neighbor or friend! 

8240 47th Avenue (one block west of Winnetka Avenue) > Map

Fee: $10 per person (or FREE with $50 BPOU donation) Includes Chili & trimmings (vegetarian option), cookie & beverage.

Please RSVP by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 763-951-2826 • More at SD-45