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Arizona Lawmakers Trying Again To Increase Per Diem Rates

Arizona lawmakers are moving to increase their per diem expense allowance.

Currently, state lawmakers with a permanent residence outside of Maricopa County are given $60 each day, during a regular or special session, for lodging and other expenses. Those in Maricopa County are given $35 a day.

In a “strike everything amendment” in HB 2053, those two allowances would increase to $207 and $56 respectively.

Republican Rep. David Cook, who represents Globe, but has a Mesa home, backs the bill saying it’s unfair for out-of-county legislators to be paid so little, since in-county legislators get to go home every day.

But a similar bill was vetoed by Gov. Doug Ducey two years ago. In his veto message, Ducey said he had no problem with the raise for the lawmakers from the other 14 counties.

"Arizona is the sixth largest state in terms of land area,'' Ducey wrote. "So for rural legislators and those representing areas outside of Maricopa County, there is a strong case to be made for ensuring we are appropriately recognizing what is required for them to be here at the state Capitol in Phoenix during session.''

This measure will be considered Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the allowance amounts proposed in HB 2053.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.