Ariz. lawmakers prepare bill to raise expense pay
Web Producer: Mekita Rivas
PHOENIX (AP) - A bipartisan bill being prepared by two southern Arizona representatives would more than double the daily expense pay that state legislators get for attending sessions in Phoenix.
Democrat Bruce Wheeler of Tucson and Republican David Stevens of Sierra Vista say current reimbursement rates for so-called "per diem" pay don't cover their costs.
The daily expense pay provided to Arizona lawmakers is above their $24,000 annual salary.
Lawmakers who live within 50 miles of the Capitol now get $35 per day while those who live further away get $60.
The bill would raise those rates to $97 for lawmakers living within 50 miles of the Capitol and $164 for those who live further away.
The Arizona Republic reports that the bill is expected to be introduced this week.
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