Bill would hike per diem pay

$50 boost could help lawmakers with travel costs

Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Sen. Jack Taylor says Amendment 41 and another measure that bans freebies is costing him $10,000.

So the Steamboat Springs Republican has introduced Senate Bill 139 to bump up the daily expense allowance for out-of-town lawmakers by $50.

Legislators currently receive $99 per diem during the session.

Taylor used to get donations to help pay for official travel across his sprawling district. But that ended last year when lawmakers passed a bill that bars cash donations for office expenses.

The situation "is very punitive to rural legislators," said Taylor, adding that he logged 25,000 miles last summer driving across his district that spans northwest Colorado.

He said he often pulls over and sleeps in his pickup truck to save on motels, and to avoid hitting deer at night.

Amendment 41, which prohibits elected officials from accepting more than $50 in gifts annually, also has made life at the Capitol more costly for out-of- towners.

In the past, they could cut living expenses by letting lobbyists pick up meal tabs or eating at receptions sponsored by trade organizations or nonprofits.

Lawmakers earn $30,000 salary per year. The estimated cost of bumping up the per-diem is $262,500 for fiscal year 2006-07

gathrighta@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5486