MN Senate, House To Shave Expense Allowances

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota state senators will soon have to get by on a little less meal money.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said Friday that Republicans who just took chamber control will seek a 10 percent cut in the daily expense payments known as per diem. That amounts to a roughly $10 per day per senator cut.

During the legislative session, senators had been able to claim up to $96 per day in living expenses and House members qualified for up to $77.

Koch says the move could save as much as $100,000 a year and sends a symbolic message that lawmakers are sharing in upcoming state budget cuts.

In the House, GOP leaders say they'll move to cut lodging costs.

Minnesota's part-time lawmakers earn a $31,140 base salary before expense allowances.

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