Ellington

Mississippians are paying a $21 million bill from the state Legislature this year, $2 million more than 2008, according to the state auditor's annual report. The 13-month session, which ended in June, shows that salaries and travel expenses alone were approximately $1 million more than the previous year, reports the Hattiesburg American.

All told, lawmaker's salaries and expenses totaled more than $8.8 million. That figure includes a special session last summer, but does not include two special sessions called this year because of budget issues, according to the story.

Magnolia State Legislators receive a base salary of $10,000, plus $1,500 a month during the regular session for what should be a part-time job. Special sessions add $75 a day to their salaries, and they are also reimbursed for travel expenses.

Additional responsibilities, including committee assignments, raise a lawmaker's base salary. House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, the highest earner, grossed $108,558 this year in salary and travel expenses.