One Idaho House member says he won’t accept any expense reimbursements for Monday’s special legislative session, and he’s urging others to follow his example. “I plan to waive any reimbursement for the cost of the special session and urge others to do so as well,” wrote Rep. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello, in an email today. “This is to restore some faith in our work as those elected to serve.”

Nye was responding to an email to all House members, detailing how expense reimbursement will work for the special session. Lawmakers won’t get per diem payments as they do during the regular session; instead, all expenses must be documented with receipts and submitted through a state travel voucher, including lodging, airfare, parking, etc. travel, food and lodging. Receipts won’t be required for meals, but they are limited to the state maximum of $30 a day.

Nye, responding back to the House administration and all House members, wrote, “As you know I was one of the 8 who voted to have the child support be approved. This failed by a 9 to 8 vote.  I was disappointed and think the special session will correct this mistake as it should. Our process works and I hope this small gesture might help. I have nothing but respect for our fine legislators regardless of their views. The people should know this and accept that democracy works. Regards, Mark Nye, Pocatello State Representative.”