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Montana Lawmakers to Look at Proposals to Increase Their Pay

Legislators are paid $82.64 a day for the 90 days of the biannual session

By Associated Press

HELENA – Montana lawmakers plan to look at proposals to increase their pay.

The members of the Legislative Council agreed during a meeting Monday to examine legislative pay bills that were drafted but never introduced during the last session.

Democratic Sen. Robyn Driscoll of Billings says the current hourly pay rate of $10.33 is “ludicrous” for professionals serving their constituents in the Legislature.

Republican House Speaker Austin Knudsen also says it’s an issue the council should take up — if a bipartisan agreement can be reached.

Legislators are paid $82.64 a day for the 90 days of the biannual session. They also are given a $112.85 per diem during the session.

Between sessions, lawmakers who are on legislative business receive their pay rate and up to $119.23 a day for food and lodging, plus mileage.