“There is some interest in changing” how the allowance is paid, according to a survey distributed to lawmakers by the office of Kodiak Sen. Gary Stevens. He is a member of the Legislative Council, the group that sets policy on such matters.
Alaska lawmakers have gone back and forth on this issue over the past few years. House leaders responded quickly with a statement Monday saying they think the money should not be treated as income: “In light of our fiscal circumstances, and to best serve the interests of the people, we believe the current accounting method is proper.”
The current salary for lawmakers is $50,400, plus a daily allowance of $238 for living expenses during the session.
There is also a long-standing state law that says, “Each member of the Legislature is entitled to an annual allowance prescribed in accordance with AS 39.23 for postage, stationery, stenographic services, and other expenses.”
The question in the survey distributed by Stevens is whether lawmakers should continue to have to submit receipts for qualified office expenses or if the money should be treated as compensation. If the money is treated as income, there is no reporting required on whether it is spent on office expenses.
Under the current plan, money that is not spent on office expenses goes to the state treasury. If lawmakers decide to treat the money as income, they will get the full amount, with taxes and other expenses withheld.
image credit APEonline.org
Cathy Tilton / December 23, 2014
In my mind, there is NO debate. The entirety of those monies must be reserved by legislative offices for the primary purpose of advancing the interests of their constituents. I am publicly committing to using those funds to facilitate and maintain open and transparent communications with the people that elected me. I knew what I was getting into when I ran for office. I have no interest or desire to ‘feather my nest’ at the expense of my fellow Alaskans. I am proud to join the members of House leadership in declaring that these funds should not be used as a means to supplement income, but rather to solicit the input of our friends and neighbors.
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Cathy Tilton / December 23, 2014
In my mind, there is NO debate. The entirety of those monies must be reserved by legislative offices for the primary purpose of advancing the interests of their constituents. I am publicly committing to using those funds to facilitate and maintain open and transparent communications with the people that elected me. I knew what I was getting into when I ran for office. I have no interest or desire to ‘feather my nest’ at the expense of my fellow Alaskans. I am proud to join the members of House leadership in declaring that these funds should not be used as a means to supplement income, but rather to solicit the input of our friends and neighbors.
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