Erickson: Lawmakers Should Refuse Reimbursements
A state lawmaker who flew with former GOP Majority Leader Jimmy Merrill on the state plane to a legislative “conference” in Winston-Salem, N.C. is now asking her colleagues to refuse any food or travel reimbursements for this week’s special session of the S.C. General Assembly, prompting several of her colleagues to cry foul.
“Hypocrisy,” one lawmaker said of the request from Rep. Shannon Erickson (RINO-Beaufort), who has apparently found religion when it comes to travel expenses.
“Given the dire straits our budget has and continues to be in, I ask that you consider waiving your reimbursement for subsistence and/or mileage also,” Erickson said to her colleagues in the S.C. House of Representatives in an email obtained by FITS.
Lawmakers are receiving no pay for this week’s special legislative session, although they will receive a $132 subsistence reimbursement and mileage for one round trip to and from Columbia. Additionally, lodging costs could also be billed back to the state in the event the session goes longer than one day – which it is expected to do.
Obviously, we support Erickson’s request – particularly seeing as the necessity for this week’s special session is due exclusively to legislative incompetence.
Also, it’s a dollars and cents issue … if every lawmaker were to refuse subsistence, mileage and lodging costs, the state could save as much as $50,000-$70,000.
Of course, Erickson is probably the last person who should be taking the lead on this issue.
After all, as FITS readers will recall, she was one of several lawmakers to travel on the state airplane to Winston-Salem (five hours away by car) for what amounted to an out-of-state cocktail party.
Joining her on the flight were former GOP Majority leader Jimmy Merrill (RINO-Charleston) and Representatives Bill Herbkersman (R-Bluffton) and Anne Peterson-Hutto (D-Charleston) – as well as hospitality officials and a registered lobbyist.
Irrespective of Erickson’s opportunistic hypocrisy, what do you think? Should lawmakers treat themselves to taxpayer-funded food, travel and lodging to fix a mistake of their own making?
Vote in our poll below …
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Comments
By They work hard, pay 'em! on October 26th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I think we should give all of our elected officials more money and should pay for everything they do. It’s the RINO way and we’re are living in a RINO state.
By Paul on October 26th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
But Ecrickson is correct on this…so that is what is important now.
They are all spenders…it is just by degrees. This is a good start for her!
By fitsnews on October 26th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Paul-
We don’t give out “participation ribbons” around here.
-FITS
By Recovering Lobbyist on October 26th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Winston-Salem is five hours from Columbia? Try less than 3. Maybe 5 from Hilton Head.
By PandaChris on October 26th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Werent there legislators who didnt fly at taxpayers’ expense to NC? They deserve our gratitude.
Since I travel back and forth from NC and SC regularly, I do not know why anyone would fly…its easier, cheaper and I think quicker (if you avoid driving through Charlotte at rush hour) than flying anyday.
By beentook2 on October 26th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
It is no secret that South Carolina Cockroaches fly so they can roll down the window and stick their head out the window.
By Birdman on October 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
It is great to see someone take on the establishment regardless of the party. Those of us involved in SC politics know the real stories. Talk up family values— have an affair with your soulmate. Talk about the value of education— visit the corridor of shame. Time to do business and forget the politicians only interested in their own interests. Damn! There is nobody to run the state.
By Yorkie on October 26th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Help me…I can’t figure out from the story if she or did or din’t pay the state for the cost of her flight?
By Old Bike Dude on October 26th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Shannon is a good egg. But she does hold balls on Tom Davis.
By PandaChris on October 26th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Shannon is hardly a good egg…she is a bit player who basks in the reflected glory of anyone that will allow her into their shadow.
Shannon is a two faced asskisser…pure and simple.