Editorial: Per Diem

The Alaska Dispatch News reported this weekend that Juneau’s three lawmakers “are collecting thousands of dollars in public money meant to pay for their lodging and meals during the annual legislative session even as they live in their own homes.” This when Alaska is trying to cut its way out of a multi-billion-dollar deficit.

Sen. Dennis Egan and Reps. Sam Kito III and Justin Parish, all Democrats, each get $160 a day in “per diem” payments, according to the Dispatch. The Legislature convened Jan. 17 for a 90-day session.

In addition to the per diem, the lawmakers receive a salary of $50,400...

 

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