The Alaska Legislature has rejected a new salary and per diem expense payment proposal that would have shrunk the overall compensation package received by most legislators.
. Tax free per diem payments, currently eligible for legislators who live outside of Juneau while they’re in session, would have shrunk from $293 per day in 2021 to a maximum of $100 per day., bumping their annual compensation packages up to over $85,000. The proposed change would have increased their taxable incomes while reducing most legislators’ annual pay.that legislators’ pay should be shrunk further and that the proposed changes would be overly generous.
Per diem payments have been much maligned by many Alaskans. The proposed changes to per diems were partly intended to discourage endless special sessions. Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, said the 2021 per diem figure of $293 a day is “appropriate,” given the high costs of living in Juneau. He recounted a story of one of his aides paying $3,200 per month for a one-bedroom furnished apartment during the session.Others bristled at proposed requirements for legislators to submit receipts for every purchase made through per diem payments, saying that would be laborious and overly time consuming.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Staffing issues due to omicron variant add to woes for most hospitals around AlaskaAs the omicron variant continues to spread, COVID-19 hospitalizations are climbing at the same time that scores of health care workers are calling out due to being sick or exposed. The result is that ICU bed capacity is becoming limited once more.
Read more »
Big weather swings keep snowplows busy in Southcentral AlaskaThe recent weather has kept the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities plow crews occupied plowing, sanding and thawing culverts, trying to keep up with the ever-changing elements.
Read more »
Biden names Anchorage attorney to serve as U.S. attorney for AlaskaAnchorage attorney S. Lane Tucker has been nominated to serve as the top federal law enforcement officer in Alaska, the White House announced Wednesday.
Read more »
Alaska reports nearly 5,500 new cases over 2 days as hospitals contend with stubborn staffing issuesThe state reported nine additional COVID-19 deaths. Health officials predict the peak in Alaska is still a few weeks away.
Read more »
Alaska Senate unanimously opposes plan to cut legislators’ payMembers of the Alaska Legislature are facing a $9,000 gross pay cut after an independent commission recommended reductions in expense payments.
Read more »
Alaska Senate rejects commission pay recommendationsThe Alaska Senate has unanimously rejected a proposal that would raise the annual salary for lawmakers but place new restrictions on the daily allowance they can receive.
Read more »