Missouri lawmakers now have spent $279,737.59 for the special legislative session that began Sept. 6.
The state Senate staff reported it had spent $46,367, through Friday - including $27,261 for the required "per diem," or daily expense allowance of about $103 for each lawmaker; $13,635 for statutory mileage reimbursement, for lawmakers' costs driving between their homes and the Capitol; and $6,471 for chamber staff.
The House, with nearly five times as many members, has higher costs: $155,005.70 for per diem costs and $78,364.89 for mileage expenses, for a total of $233,370.59.
There are differences in the way the two chambers calculate their expenses.
The Senate pays per diem only on the days that a formal session is held, while no per diem or mileage expenses are counted when technical sessions are held.