Reality Check: Lawmakers Getting Paid Over Spring Break?
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Minnesota lawmakers haven't had a pay hike since 1999. But they can boost their take-home pay with per diem -- up to $76 per day in the Minnesota House, and up to $86 a day in the Minnesota Senate.
At the top in the Senate during 2013, Democrat Ann Rest of New Hope, the chair of the Tax Reform Committee. She got $17,372 in per diem last year.
In the House, it's Democrat Lyndon Carlson of Crystal, the chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He received $12,408 in 2013 per diem payments.
Lawmakers get per diem automatically -- no receipts required, no questions asked.
They get it every day during the legislative session, even on weekends -- even when they're not physically at the Capitol.
And per diem payments are in addition to payments for lodging, travel and mileage.
Last year, state lawmakers got more than $1,901,133 in per diem.
That's an average of nearly $9,458 per legislator. On top of their $31,140 annual salary.
Minnesota's part-time pay and per diem is higher than many states, but lower than others.
Wisconsin pays lawmakers $49,943, plus $88 in per diem.
Illinois pays $67,836 and $111 in per diem.
And in California, Golden State lawmakers get $90,526 a year, plus $142 in per diem when they're in session.
But some states pay very little. New Hampshire pays its lawmakers $200 for a two-year term, and no per diem at all.
REALITY CHECK LINKS
How Much State Lawmakers Earn, Plus Per Diem
Senate Per Diem/Expenses (.pdf)
House Per Diem/Expenses (.pdf)