Special session costs top $279,000

Monday, October 24, 2011

Missouri lawmakers now have spent $279,737.59 for the special legislative session that began Sept. 6.

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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.

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JCLifer 7 months ago

Thanks for calling the special session, Governor. Just think- this money could have been used to hire a few more consultants for your office!

herewego 7 months ago

What a waste. Just think of how many MODOT employees could have stayed on the job, not on unemployment/food stamps (which cost all of us tax payers). And the big question is--what, if anything of consequence did they accomplish. (besides the facebook law, which may have been ok on its on if left up to the schools).....