Lawmakers Hike Per Diem To $79.05 Ok’d By Committees Without Hearing; $13 Hike Is First Increase Since 1989

Lawmakers have quietly increased their daily expense allowance nearly 20 percent to $79.05 per day.

The raise in the so-called per diem rate was approved last week by a committee of lawmakers behind closed doors and without a public hearing.

The tax-free money is available to all lawmakers, including those who live in Olympia. Members decide for themselves how much, if any, of the daily allowance to spend.

The raise goes into effect retroactively to the first day of the legislative session, Jan. 13.

Even with the raise, the allowance is less than that recommended by either the state or federal government for employees working in Olympia.

The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to deduct $30 a day for meals and $67 per day for lodging. The state budget office allows employees traveling on business to spend up to $93 a day.

Lawmakers may use the per diem as they see fit. It is provided in addition to a $5,400 unvouchered office expense account and legislative salary of $28,300 per year. Lawmakers also receive full benefits, although they do not officially work full time.

The chief clerk of the House and secretary of the Senate actually set the per diem rate.

The raise was then approved by two committees of lawmakers who consider administrative matters concerning the House and Senate, including the budget and staffing levels of each body.

House Speaker Clyde Ballard, R-Wenatchee, chairman of the House committee, said there was no reason for the per diem decision to be made publicly.

“It’s an internal decision. You heard about it right away. Obviously we weren’t trying to keep it secret.”

Ballard called the increase “fair.” He noted this is the first time the per diem has been increased since it was set at $66 in 1989.

Overall, administrative expenses for both the House and Senate have been going down.

The House has cut its staff from 333 people in 1991 to 220 people today and chopped its budget by a third.

The Senate’s spending dropped from $24 million from mid-1991 to mid-1993, to $23 million so far this biennium.

Barbara Lisk, R-Zillah, the House Majority Leader, said she depends on the per diem to pay the rent on an apartment in Olympia during the legislative session, move furniture, and meet other expenses.

“You don’t make money at this job. This isn’t some rich bonus. All this says is we will at least recover the expenses, and they aren’t cheap.”

Rep. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane, said he didn’t ask for the increase.

“It’s out of our control. But I think it’s okay.

“People get real concerned about per diem and wages, but I look at what we are doing. If we are doing a good job. And if we are not, what we’re paid isn’t worth it no matter what.

“Obviously I’m not in this for the money. It’s okay to be reasonable, and this is reasonable. Otherwise I would oppose it.”

Rep. Jeff Gombosky, D-Spokane, said the per diem is welcome, considering the House only reimburses members for two trips home to the East Side per session.

He called the increase fair, but said the process of setting the amount should be open to the public.

“It’s always good to have citizen imput. That’s probably something we should look at for the future.

“A lot of people are having a squeeze back home with their budget and they hear about us getting a pay raise. We should have to answer the citizens’ questions.”

, DataTimes