FRANKFORT — The General Assembly annual session that began Tuesday will cost taxpayers an estimated $46,000 a day, according to the Legislative Research Commission.

        The figure is more than the cost of special sessions but a little less than even-year regular sessions, said Scott Payton of the commis sion, the administrative arm of the General Assembly.

        The legislators will meet through Friday and then return to the capitol Feb. 6, working through March 23.

        “We're assuming the short session will require fewer temporary employees than are needed for regular sessions, and that printing and other costs will be less,” Mr. Payton said Tuesday.

        “But it's difficult to project the daily cost with confidence since this is the first off-year session we've held.”

        Lawmakers in Kentucky had always met every other year. But in November, voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing annual sessions.

        Kentucky lawmakers are paid $158.18 a day while they are in session. They also receive $93.50 for expenses, a one-time allotment for stationery — $250 for House members, $500 for senators, who have more constituents — and 32 cents a mile for traveling to and from Frankfort.

        Committee chairs and members of leadership are paid more than other members: Senate president and House speaker, $197.98; floor leaders, $198.61; speaker and president pro tems; $182.27; caucus chairmen, $182.27; whips, $182.27; committee chairs, an additional $15.72.

        Many Northern Kentucky elected officials and political activists were here for the session's first day. Many attended the various receptions and ceremonies — such as the swearing-in of new members — that are held when lawmakers return to Frankfort.

        Among those here were Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore and County Commissioners Cathy Flaig and Ron Burch; Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd and Commissioners Dan Humpert and Adam Koenig; GOP strategists Rick Robinson of Fort Mitchell and Marc Wilson and Jay Hall, both of Florence; and Debbie McKinney, U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning's top Northern Kentucky aide.

        Also here to watch her son in action was Alice Roeding, the 95-year-old mother of Senate Presi dent Pro Tem Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park.

        “She is very independent,” Mr. Roeding said. “She lives on her own, gets along just fine and said she wanted to be here today. It makes things even more special that she can he here.”
       

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