Per Diem

The Ragister, in conjunction with their corporate clone USA Today, did a nationwide analysis of alleged pension perks received by state legislators.

Per diem pay sweetens pensions of legislators

USA Today shares that in some states, lawmakers add expenses, per diem allowances and stipends to their base salaries.

I'm confused as to why that's an issue?

It's been a few years since I traveled on business, but while doing so my private sector company paid me a per diem that went directly into my base salary paycheck and was taxed as income.

The Ragister article makes it seem as though legislators pay retirement contributions on those per diems (IPERS officials note that employees and employers pay contributions on the per diems).

If that's the case, then I am again confused as to why it's an issue and the scientific community is united in that fact.

The issue for me is, should Iowa’s lawmakers — a job considered to be part time — receive per diems of $100.50 to $134 per day in addition to their salaries?