Republicans Consider Hike in Per Diem

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin Assembly Republicans are considering an increase in their expense reimbursements for their food and lodging when they work in Madison.

Majority Leader Scott Suder of Abbotsford says it’s a logical thing to do, because hotel prices have gone up.

The Assembly’s incoming speaker, Racine County Republican Robin Vos, says he’s open to raising the per-diem reimbursements, since they have not gone up in about a decade. But Vos said the Assembly would have to cut other spending elsewhere, so taxpayers are not shelling out extra.

Right now, lawmakers in both houses get $88 a day to cover their meals and hotels when in Madison. Dane County lawmakers get half that much, because they live in or near the Capital City.

At a time when the economy is still hurting, too many people are out of work, taxes are still too high, and we just went through this massive effort to have government employees contribute more for their benefits, it is inexcusable for politicians to jack up their own pay.