Rep. Jeff Smith wants per diem raised

Bill would raise boards’ ‘per diem’ from $40 to $150

A bill passed by the House Ways on Tuesday would raise the “per diem” pay for members of state and local agencies, boards and commissions from $40 a day to $150 when they attend meetings.

“This is long overdue,” said House Ways and Means Chairman Jeff Smith, R-Columbus, before the bill passed the House 110-5. “It’s been $40 a day since 1980. … The chairman of Appropriations and I tried to figure out what $40 during the Jimmy Carter Administration would be today, and it’s $125 to $150.”

ClarionLedger
2/16/16