LEXINGTON CHRONICLE
By: Jerry Bellune
Sen. Ronnie Cromer wants lawmakers to substantiate their expenses.
He has proposed an expense reimbursement only system for the General Assembly to eliminate the current payment for travel, per diem and subsistence.
His bill allows payment only for actual expenses supported by receipts.
“Passage of this bill would eliminate wasteful spending and reduce the opportunity for abuse of the system,” the Lexington County Republican said.
State lawmakers receive $131 a day subsistence payments for meals and hotels.
But with the free meals special interest groups provide them, lawmakers can save on their food costs.
When public groups feed lawmakers, it raises questions about whether taxpayers are paying for meals lawmakers did not pay for.
“I am hopeful that a Judiciary subcommittee will hear testimony on the bill in the near future,” he said.
The S.C. Ethics Commission plans to look into special interest groups hosting state lawmakers.
The S.C. Realtors association did not initially report costs of four events, the group told Cathy Hazelwood, the Ethics Commission’s attorney.
“I think we’re going to have to do a regular review,” Hazelwood said.