As students prepare for their first full year of in person learning since the start of COVID-19, the pressure to hit the school hallways with style, fit in, or simply be prepared for a successful school year, is on and is costing parents and students a pretty penny.
Following reporting by The Caucus and Spotlight PA, the Pennsylvania Senate said it will post expenses online, though it’s unclear in what format.
Mileage, meals, lodging, travel, and a special perk called per diems are part of the hidden costs charged to taxpayers to support Pennsylvania’s legislature.
By Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA, Brad Bumsted/The Caucus, Sam Janesch/The Caucus and Michael Wereschagin/The Caucus Per diems under review in Harrisburg
A Spotlight PA analysis of legislative records found lawmakers requested and received $726,877 from the beginning of March — as the pandemic emerged — through the end of 2020 as reimbursement for lodging and meals while traveling to and from the Capitol or other meetings across the state.
