Steps from the State Capitol, many lawmakers spend their nights in Baton Rouge in apartments, the Pentagon Barracks.  State Officials say much of the cost, including utilities, is subsidized by the state.

“They’re decent,” State Representative Walker Hines says.  “They are probably worth $800 to $900 dollars a month in my district.”

But 26 of the 39 members of the Senate, and almost 30 members of the House, can rent these units for as little as $300 a month.

“Somebody’s legislator is staying in those apartments,” says Political Watchdog C.B. Forgotston.  “They don’t tell you about that when they are whining and moaning about how underpaid they are.”

OTHER INCOME

Forgotston says lawmakers also don’t tell constituents about the $6,000 in unvouchered expenses they get every year.  State House officials say that money is taxed as income, but legislators don’t have to show what it’s being spent on.

State Senator John Alario says, “I think they use it for utilities in district offices, supplies, and cell phones.”

But lawmakers also get $2,000 in vouchered expenses that goes directly to renting and running an office.

When we asked State Representative Walker Hines if there was a need for vouchered and unvouchered expenses, he replied, “Probably not.”

HEALTH INSURANCE

Even though lawmakers are considered part-time employees, they still get health care provided by the state.  The state or taxpayers cover 75% of the cost.  The rest is paid by legislators.

Eyewitness News Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says, “In this day and age, the health insurance may be the most important perk of all.”

PER DIEM

Right now, for some lawmakers, the most lucrative perk is the per diem.  They receive $143 per day.  They get paid for any day they’re in session or have a committee meeting.  This year, House officials say most members will average at least 125 per diem days, paying them an additional $18,000 this year.

State Senator John Alario says, “Per Diem is there to take care of hotel rooms and meals.  The expenses for being away from home.”

But State Representative Walker Hines says, “The biggest gripe I have with the system is the per diem.  Why do Baton Rouge lawmakers who live 5-10 minutes away get $143 every day of the session?  They live right around the corner, while the Shreveport members are stuck here for all three months.”

And Forgotston says lawmakers get per diem every day of the session, even if it’s a holiday and even if they don’t show up for work. 

“There is no limit on how much they can make,” Forgotston says.  “But $60,000 under the current pay is a minimum that any individual legislator will make.”