Legislative leaders want boost in their mileage rates
PHOENIX (AP) — Republican and Democratic leaders in the Arizona Legislature say they want an increase in lawmakers' mileage reimbursement rates, saying the current rate is too low.
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, said lawmakers who travel long distances in their own cars need an increase from the current state rate of 44½ cents per mile to the federal rate of 53½ cents a mile. He cites low lawmaker pay of $24,000 a year and the costs for rural members who travel to the state Capitol.
"This is very important for rural members of the Legislature who as a matter of course have two or three hour commutes to get here," Mesnard said. "We don't reimburse for all the work that they do in their district, which is probably a separate conversation that needs to be had."
The increase in House Bill 2227 is co-sponsored by leaders from both parties in the House and Senate. Mesnard came up with the proposal but got all leaders to sign on as co-sponsors.
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