How much have Landry’s special sessions cost taxpayers?


    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.

    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.

    Read more from The Center Square.