NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to freeze lawmakers' per diem reimbursement rates at last year's levels has failed this session.

The measure sponsored by Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Lowe Finney of Jackson got five votes in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, but four people abstained from voting.

The reimbursement rate for legislators in 2011 was $173 per day. Sponsors say the proposal is intended to promote efficiency.

Finney said the legislation was intended to show that lawmakers were sympathetic to budget cuts.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in a House subcommittee. Finney says he plans to revisit the legislation at some point.