Pa. pols run up big tabs

HARRISBURG - State lawmakers received more than $2 million for their lodging and meals during fiscal 2012-13, with the bulk of the taxpayer-funded reimbursements not requiring any receipts.

The Scranton Times-Tribune reported yesterday that lawmakers spent about $1.8 million for per diems - the daily allowances for lodging and meals that are tax-free and require no receipts - and nearly $200,000 more for lodging and meals that require receipts.

Senators received reimbursements of about $5,700 on average, while House members averaged about $8,500, according to the report.

Senate Chief Clerk Russell Faber said a number of lawmakers are putting brief notations in their records to explain their expenses on days the Legislature is not in session, to show how they relate to legislative activity.

- Associated Press