Minneapolis Councilman Faces Criticism Over Dual Salaries

Minneapolis City Councilman Jeremiah Ellison has announced that he will maintain a six-figure salary while also participating in a full-time fellowship at Harvard University.

Ellison, who is the son of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, has drawn scrutiny from his fellow councillors. His current salary sits at about $110,000 for his role on the council, and, notably, the Harvard fellowship is a paid position as well.

“I’m really disappointed about this. I hope my colleagues will reconsider. It’s not a great look, especially for North Minneapolis,” said Councillor Ratrisha Beteau during a press event last month.

“If Ellison, a congressional member, isn’t present on these committees, then North Minneapolis has no representation, which other Northside council members find unacceptable,” she added.

Ellison has stated that he plans to return to Minneapolis twice a month for council meetings and for several committee gatherings, according to KSTP.

Council regulations indicate that members need to be physically present to vote and participate in meetings.

“I wonder if other employees are given this kind of privilege,” Councillor Linea Palmisano remarked to KSTP. “I doubt they’d be allowed such paid leave.”

Ellison’s office did not immediately respond to inquiries.

In recent years, Ellison has been a prominent leftist voice in Minneapolis politics. In 2020, he openly declared, “I hereby formally declare my support for Antifa.”

Moreover, he pledged to “demnify the Minneapolis Police Station,” expressing a bold stance on police reform.