State lawmakers spent nearly $2.9 million for travel and expenses during this year’s legislative session, a review by Gannett’s Albany Bureau found.
The Democrat and Chronicle put together this database from records obtained by the state Comptroller’s Office that shows how much each lawmakers received in per diems and travel reimbursements from January through July. The legislative session ran from January through June 24.
During the same period last year, lawmakers spent nearly $3.4 million on travel and expenses, which includes meals and hotel stays. Last year, session carried into August because a budget deal couldn’t be reached.
Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton, narrowly led the Senate in travel costs from January through July, billing taxpayers $20,258 for his daily per diem costs and travel.
In the Assembly, freshman Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, D-Bronx, was reimbursed the most this year, $26,468.
