But several legislators instead paid for many of their expenses out of their campaign fund, allowing them to pocket the per diem, which is tax-free if they live more than 50 miles from the Capitol.
For example, Rep. Debbie Boone of Cannon Beach used campaign money to pick up the tab for nearly $200 in dry cleaning bills. Sen. Herman Baertschiger of Grants Pass spent $3,740 in campaign money for hotel bills. And Sen. Alan Olsen dipped into his campaign fund to collect over $5,400 in mileage for the daily 70-mile round trip commute between his Canby home and the Capitol.
The use of campaign funds to cover the personal expenses of serving in a legislative session is legal, according to election officials. But it has been controversial for several years, with many legislators avoiding the practice.
