State Representative Malinda White, D-Bogalusa, says she won’t accept any pay for the special session that ended without any action last night.
White says she won’t let it cost the the taxypayers of her district any more than necessary to reach a compromise the fully funds the budget.
Monday, the second extra legislative this year ended without any progress, as Republicans in the House again blocked a bipartisan Senate budget plan. The fiscal year starts on July 1. To read more, check out this in-depth article by our media partners at the Advocate. You can see our story from yesterdayhere.
Special sessions cost taxpayers $60,000 a day.
“By failing again to pass a solution to fund the budget, the legislature in Baton Rouge has abandoned the people of our state. It makes me sick. Our failure should not cost taxpayers more. That’s why I won’t take my pay for the next legislative session,” said White. “The people of my district don’t get the option to just spend more when they fail in their responsibilities. I live in the real world.”
Legislators in Louisiana receive a “per diem” amount for the days they are in Baton Rouge on legislative business. Refusing the check isn’t possible under the current system but Rep. White plans to reinvest the funds into something worthy for the people of her district.
"I’ve to tried forego my paycheck for the per diem but the rules just won’t allow that. So, I’m pledging to donate my pay — about $1,500 over a 10-day session — to a worthy cause in District 75. I’ll take the coming days to focus on our District and away from the craziness in Baton Rouge then decide where a donation will have the most impact," White said.
