The four special sessions convened by Gov. Jeff Landry since he took office in January 2024 cost taxpayers nearly $6 million, The Center Square reports.
More than $1.15 million was spent on per diem expenses for lawmakers’ food and lodging as well as travel. House lawmakers collected $727,440 in per diem expenses and $115,880 in mileage reimbursements, while Senate lawmakers collected $268,946 in per diem expenses and $41,197 in mileage reimbursements.
Staffing, however, accounted for most of the spend.
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House legislative staff members were paid nearly $3 million and received $1.27 million in retirement benefits paid into the state’s pension fund for working additional time. Senate support staff and operations, meanwhile, cost $541,708.
