Seven state lawmakers have billed travel expenses to the state over the past year despite Washington’s precarious financial situation. Representatives have sought reimbursement for travel expenses including conference registration, hotel rooms, meals and incidental daily expenses. The General Assembly’s travel policy states that lawmaker travel requests must be approved by the appropriate supervisor. Members have attended conventions such as the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the New England Coalition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention’s conference.

Although a significant expense, the total of more than $7,000 is only a small percentage of the more than $46,000 set aside in the budget for travel because many lawmakers have refrained from spending state money on conferences and other travel due to the fiscal situation. Others have paid for state-related business out of campaign or personal funds to conferences such as the State Legislative Leaders Foundation.