Watchdog: State Lawmakers' Commutes Cost Taxpayers Millions
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- The Illinois Policy Institute, a government watchdog group, says Illinois state legislators could save the taxpayers lots of money on their personal expenses.
As WBBM Newsradio's David Roe reports, Keith Rasmussen of the institute tells the Daily Herald that legislators could save money by taking trains or carpooling.
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The newspaper reports that it costs taxpayers $111 for every day a state lawmaker spends in Springfield. In total, the costs for lawmakers commuting to Springfield – the $111 allowance combined with mileage – cost $1,709,703 last year, the Daily Herald reported.
Legislators are permitted 39 cents per mile for their driving expenses to Springfield.
Lawmakers argue that taxpayers don't expect them to pay for their own mileage and expenses and in Springfield. They also say the reimbursements allow anyone to serve in elected office.
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