OR: Paychecks, perks continue for absent senators amid GOP-led walkout

[RandySF]

Oregon taxpayers have spent tens of thousands of dollars paying senators who are participating in the GOP-led Senate walkout.

And their salaries and per diem are just part of the cost of the stalled session.

Since May 3, most Republican senators and an Independent senator have boycotted Senate floor sessions, denying the upper chamber its two-thirds majority needed to conduct business. Senators face no financial consequences for failing to show up for floor sessions: They get paid their salary and an in-session per diem nevertheless, according to state law and Senate rules.

Their annual taxpayer-funded salary is about $35,052, or $2,921 a month, which they receive whether the Legislature is in session or not.

In session, senators also receive a daily per diem of $157, including on the weekends. That money is intended to cover costs such as meals, lodging and other miscellaneous expenses. It’s a flat rate and not based on reimbursements.

Each day, those costs add up.




https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/05/30/paychecks-perks-continue-for-absent-senators-amid-gop-led-walkout/