Ohio lawmakers seek more money for mileage

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — A newspaper reports that a busy legislative calendar in Columbus means the state is being billed more for lawmaker travel to the Ohio Statehouse.

The Dayton Daily News found state House members and senators asked for nearly $152,200 in mileage reimbursements during the first three months the year. That was 13 percent more than during the same period in 2010.

A complicated two-year state budget and other issues have kept lawmakers occupied. A spokesman for House Speaker William Batchelder tells the Daily News that legislators have been very active this session and intend to continue that practice.

Lawmakers from around the state are paid 45 cents per mile for their travel to Columbus. State law allows reimbursement for only one round-trip per week while the Legislature is in session.