HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania state House lawmakers last year ordered up nearly $80,000 in expenses for community events such as senior expos, veterans’ dinners and children’s fairs.
The Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown reports (https://bit.ly/1oBaHH3) that details of the events and their costs were obtained under a Right-to-Know request filed with the House of Representatives.
The newspaper says that more than a third of Pennsylvania’s House members submitted expenses for such events last year.
Critics such as Eric Epstein of Rock the Capital say lawmakers are able to use the money to raise their profile for their re-election campaign and deter challengers.
House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin says each House member gets a $20,000 annual allowance for office expenses and can stage community events as long as they show a legislative purpose.
___
Information from: The Tribune-Democrat, https://www.tribune-democrat.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.