Russ I believe the majority of posters are not saying do not paying the legislators.  They seem to look at the per diem as the real shady deal.  Imaging a legislature living in their own home and getting paid per diem to stay there.  That is exactly what has happened in many instances. I remember well when Sara Palin collected per diem for staying at her home as governor when she traveled to Wasilla.  The per diem system is broken and need a real overhaul.  Lets start there.