When Did Payment Become A Perk?

The Legislature’s per diem is more than sufficient to serve its purpose: to cover citizen lawmakers’ expenses during a session. It isn’t designed to help lawmakers supplement their part-time $16,116-a-year state salary. The pay is modest, but lawmakers knew that going in — when they chose, willingly and under no duress, to pursue public office. An Associated Press story from last week suggests that two Canyon County senators took advantage of the Legislature’s per diem rules. We’re not talking big bucks — just an unacceptable practice. Sens. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, and John McGee, R-Caldwell, applied for and received the state’s $122 allowance for daily expenses. That amount is supposed to cover out-of-town lawmakers’ expenses, including rent. (Lawmakers who live in or near Boise, and commute to the Statehouse, receive a $49 per diem.)/ Kevin Richert , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Can you trust a legislator who’s pulling stuff like this?