Hickenlooper: Rural Lawmakers' Pay Hike Is Right
DENVER (AP) -- Gov. John Hickenlooper says a scheduled $33 daily pay hike for rural lawmakers is "the right thing to do," even though it's politically unpopular.
Hickenlooper says he's sympathetic to the issue because the per diem daily increase would go to lawmakers who live furthest from the state Capitol. Hickenlooper made the comments Thursday during a luncheon with newspaper publishers and editors with the Colorado Press Association.
The per diem increase from $150 to $183 takes effect July 1 unless lawmakers pass legislation to delay it, like they did in 2010.
Lawmakers passed a bill without debate last week authorizing $189,420 for the per diem increase. The Pueblo Chieftain first reported on the bill's approval, which some lawmakers see as bad timing because of tough budget times. The bill passed 34-28.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
