Proposal to give lawmakers more money for expenses advances

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Memorial Day in an effort to finish their yearly work. A final deal on the state budget appeared in place , while votes were still expected on a variety of other legislation.

A proposal that would triple the amount lawmakers get for expenses each day advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee on Monday.

Lawmakers in both parties back the proposal, saying rural lawmakers especially are undercompensated for their costs of traveling to and staying in Phoenix during the session. They also note that changes to federal tax law eliminated many write-offs for expenses.

"It's the right thing to do. It's long overdue, it needs to be done, it's a fairness issue, and everybody knows it," Republican Rep. Noel Campbell said. "It's not a salary increase. This is a reimbursement for actual expenses that we spend down here."

Lawmakers earn $24,000 a year, plus a daily stipend of $60 for rural lawmakers and $35 for Maricopa County residents. The measure would raise the amount for expenses to $185 a day and half that for Phoenix-area residents.

Several teachers testified during the short Appropriations Committee hearing, noting that they understand getting underpaid for their work. Arizona teachers went on strike last year for higher pay and better school funding and won a raise. Schools, however, remain underfunded by many measures.

"I can't get beyond the irony of your plight, and how it is so incredibly parallel with what is going on with teachers," educator Christine Marsh said. "At what point would you have a legislator shortage and what would you do?"

The state doesn't have enough teachers because of salaries that are among the lowest in the nation.

House Speaker Rusty Bowers promised to put the proposal on...