Minn. Senate, House To Shave Expense Allowances
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota state senators will soon have to get by on a little less meal money.
Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said Friday that Republicans who just took chamber control will seek a 10 percent cut in the daily expense payments known as per diem. That amounts to a roughly $10 per day per senator cut.
During the legislative session, senators had been able to claim up to $96 per day in living expenses and House members qualified for up to $77.
Koch says the move could save as much as $100,000 a year and sends a symbolic message that lawmakers are sharing in upcoming state budget cuts.
In the House, GOP leaders say they'll move to cut lodging costs.
Minnesota's part-time lawmakers earn a $31,140 base salary before expense allowances.
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