Report: House Over its Per Diem Budget

The current session of the Minnesota Legislature will continue at least until next week. Yet, the House of Representative is over its budget for covering lawmakers’ daily expenses.

According to a report in Thursday’s Star Tribune, the House had spent $669,257 in per diem through May 2 for this session. Its budget was $663,095.

Looking at the per diem paid to Edina's House members:

• Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) has received the budgeted $4,752 for his session per diem and $198 for per diem during the house’s 2011 interim period. That makes for a total per diem of $4,950.

• Rep. Pat Mazorol (R-Bloomington) has received the budgeted $3,600 for his session per diem, but did not take any per diem during the interim period. His per diem total is $3,600.

A full list of per diem payments to House members can be found in the above gallery.

House Republican spokesperson Jodi Boyne told the Star-Tribune "there is enough money to handle the additional per diem costs," as other House expenses are under budget.

The House is expected to be in session until at least Monday, when a vote on a proposed financing plan for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium. Other legislation, such as a possible bonding bill and a tax bill, has yet to be dealt with.