Minnesota Senate Cuts Daily Expense Payments

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- Minnesota senators will get $10 less a day in their daily expense payments, part of belt-tightening promoted by the new Republican majority.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee approved the 10 percent reduction on Monday.

The move cuts per diem payments to $86 from their previous level of $96 a day. The payments had been raised in 2007 from $66 a day.

Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel says the move is symbolic but that symbolism matters. The state is facing a $6.2 billion deficit over the next two years.

A House panel is scheduled to meet later Monday to discuss reductions in lodging reimbursements for House members.

The base salary for Minnesota legislators is $31,140, plus allowances for daily living expenses, lodging, mileage and telecommunications.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)