Bill for first special legislative session: $108,000 so far

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A newspaper review finds that the 30-day legislative special session so far has cost taxpayers $108,000 in payments to cover lawmakers' daily expenses.

The News Tribune found that lawmakers claimed nearly $90,000 for daily expenses during the overtime session that ended Thursday. They also asked for an additional $18,000 in mileage reimbursements.

The bills are expected to grow since Senate expense records didn't include the last four days of the special session and the House is also tallying payments over the past two weeks.

The Legislature began a second special session on Friday after failing to reach a deal on a two-year operating budget.

Lawmakers are allowed to claim $120 a day in food, lodging and other expanses in addition to their salaries.