http://cbs2chicago.com/local/special.legislative.sessions.2.595126.html
Tab For Special Sessions Could Reach $1 Million
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) ―
The price tag for Illinois' special legislative sessions this year could reach $1 million, according to a published report.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Sunday that the state has already shelled out more than $840,000 to lawmakers to cover extra travel time and living expenses during the 16 special sessions ordered by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
With another session set to start Wednesday on how to bailout the Chicago area's public transit system, the figure is likely to grow and could reach $1 million by the end of December.
Critics of the governor complained he's wasting time and tax dollars.
"I don't think anything of any note has come from all these special sessions," said Steve Brown, spokesman for Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. "That's $800,000-plus dollars that could have been better spent on health care or education."
But a Blagojevich spokeswoman said the sessions are necessary because of legislative stalemates. She said the meetings could end if lawmakers passed measures more quickly.
"Unfortunately, lawmakers didn't pass a budget until August and still haven't passed legislation to address the long-term transit and infrastructure needs of our state," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff told the newspaper in a statement. "We can call the lawmakers into session, but the executive branch can't introduce and pass legislation."
State lawmakers earn $65,353 each year for their work during a regular legislative session during the first half of the year and a two-week follow up in the fall.
But the members of the House and Senate must be paid $125 for each day they attend a specially called legislative session. Many of the special sessions have lasted several days.
Those per diems amounted to $842,682 during the 42 days one or both chambers met in special session late September, according to figures provided by the Illinois comptroller's office.
At that rate, it would take only one more week of special meetings for the extra costs to reach $1 million.
That figure doesn't include travel and lodging costs of staff and other support services for lawmakers.
Earlier this year, Senate Republicans estimated the state pays about $40,000 a day for a fully attended special session.
All this money being spent and still no balanced budget. Is this what you voted in your Representatives for to fight amongst each other, give themselves a raise and give you a increase in taxes and fees? This is a all Democrat House and Senate, are you going to vote them back in to continue the circus?
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