2 years ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - The California budget is facing a multi-billion dollar deficit but that won't stop state lawmakers from getting a raise in their per diem checks.
The Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board authorized a $3 a day rate hike Thursday, raising the expense allowances for state legislators to $173 a day -- all tax free.
The money is supposed to compensate legislators for food, lodging and meals while they're working in Sacramento, away from their homes. During legislative session, lawmakers can continue to collect per diem seven days a week, as long as they do not go more than three days straight without holding floor session.
State law requires the California per diem rate to match the rate set by the federal government for federal employees. The federal rate was also recently increased.
"It was unfortunate during these bad economic times that the law requires the board to increase this legislative expense rate," said board chairman Rosario Marin.
The rate increase will be made retroactive to October 1, 2008, the start of the federal fiscal year.
Per diem is paid to state lawmakers in addition to their annual salary, which is currently set at $116,208.
News10/KXTV
