Investing Per Dia February 24 2010
Turns out, many legislators have indeed bought homes in Harrisburg, while continuing to collect per diems for their lodging. The Scranton Times finds that state Reps. Wansacz , Eachus, Peifer, Scavello, and Yudichak (who represent parts of Northeastern PA) all uses per diems to pay their mortgages on homes in Harrisburg.
Does it matter that they used the money to buy a home rather than rent a room in the Hilton? No. But the value of per diems is excessive for taxpayers, especially given the fact lawmakers need not actually spend that money, but could pocket it. I would also note that per diems are not mentioned in the PA Constitution, when it says lawmakers shall receive “salary and mileage…and no other compensation whatever” That would seem to include a new house.
Nate Benefield offers a solution.
A dorm for lawmakers.
I disagree.
Not only would that place be so icky and unsellable, it encourages them to linger in Harrisburg.
They dont need to be in Harrisburg long enough to need buy second homes. They need to go to work, then go the hell home. The more they hang around in Harrisburg they more they are tempted to do something.
… and that something is always with your money, not theirs. QED.
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