Vulakovich & Stefano Reintroduce Legislative Reform Measure

State Senators Randy Vulakovich (R- Allegheny) and Senator Pat Stefano (R – Fayette) are reintroducing legislation requiring elected officials to provide receipts in order to receive reimbursement from the Commonwealth.

Currently, House and Senate members can submit for an “Unvouchered Per Diem,” meaning legislators can claim up to $159 daily for performing legislative duties outside of their legislative districts and while in Harrisburg without submitting receipts.

“Our legislation would simply require legislators – just like other state employees – to submit their receipts in order to obtain reimbursement,” said Senator Vulakovich.  “There have been too many media reports questioning the integrity of the state’s unvouchered per diem system of reimbursement and thereby questioning the integrity of the user of the system.  It’s time we end this practice and make the system more accountable.”

Senator Pat Stefano, joint sponsor of the legislation added, “I have spent my life in the private sector. It is unthinkable to me that you can expect to receive a reimbursement for expenses without providing a receipt for them. This would be unacceptable in the private sector and it should be unacceptable as representatives of the people. I am hopeful that this common sense reform will receive quick consideration by the State Government Committee.”

SB 335 has been introduced and referred to the Senate State Government Committee for consideration.

Contact:          Charlie O’Neill            (717) 787-6538

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