Senate passes bill to cut lawmaker allowances

Friday, March 22, 2013, Vol. 37, No. 12

NASHVILLE (AP) - The Senate has passed a bill to eliminate hotel allowances for lawmakers who live within 50 miles of the state Capitol.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Ferrell Haile of Gallatin was approved on a 28-2 vote on Thursday. The measure would eliminate the $107-per-night hotel payment for Nashville-area legislators, though it would provide for daily mileage allowances instead of weekly ones.

The legislation would continue to provide a $66 daily meals allowance for all lawmakers.

The House approved its version on a 71-15 vote earlier this month, but would have to approve a technical change made by the Senate before the measure could head for the governor's signature.

Annual savings are projected at more than $250,000.