Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi House committee is advancing plans to boost expense pay for many state and local officials attending meetings to $150 daily from the current $40.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved House Bill 1421 Tuesday.

Chairman Jeff Smith, a Columbus Republican, says the change is overdue because the level has been $40 since 1980.

The bill moves to the full House for more work. Smith says he expects Senate opposition.

No estimate has been prepared for what the increase would cost.

The change wouldn't apply to legislators, who are paid per diem based on federal standards. State employees get actual expenses.

Smith says local officials don't get paid for attending meetings in their home county.

Public records show most officials get mileage in addition to per diem.