Freshman lawmakers receive orientation

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004 | 9:54 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A group of freshmen lawmakers was told Tuesday that serving in the Legislature can be "financially ruinous."

As part of the orientation session, Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, told the new members, "You are not going to get rich."

The special session of the Legislature started today with the sole issue being the impeachment of Controller Kathy Augustine, and Malkiewich told them to be prepared to work Thursday and possibly into the weekend. "We're not taking off Veterans Day," he said.

There are 12 new members who have not served any time in the Legislature. And there are four with previous service that either sat out a session or were defeated or moved from the Assembly to the Senate.

John McCloskey, chief accountant for the Legislature, said the members are entitled to a salary of $130 a day and $91 per diem. Out of the $130 comes Social Security, income tax and 15 percent to the legislative retirement account.

There is a supplemental housing allowance of $616 a month for those who live more than 50 miles from Carson City, estimated to be the cost of a one-bedroom apartment. That will be prorated during the special session where the maximum time limit is 20 days. After 20 days, the lawmakers don't get any pay.