Monday, February 01, 2010
by Brett Narloch
Legislative travel records indicate that six North Dakota legislators attended President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009 and were reimbursed by the state.
Among those in attendance were Democratic Rep. Elliot Glassheim (Grand Forks), Republican Senator Tony Grindberg (Fargo), Republican Senator Ray Holmberg (Grand Forks), Democratic Senator Aaron Krauter (Regent), Democratic Senator John Warner (Ryder) and Democratic Representative Lonnie Winrich (Grand Forks).
The Legislative Council gave us the requirements for legislators planning to attend the inauguration. They are as follows:
- Attendees are chosen by leadership
- Hotel arrangements are required to be guaranteed for a minimum number of days and paid for in advance. Our office makes direct payment to the hotel.
- No per diem (salary) is paid since legislators are in session during that time. Vouchers are approved by the Speaker of the House and/or President Pro Tempore. Meals and taxi costs incurred during the trip are reimbursed.
The six legislators who went to the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama rang up a bill of $30,100.02. Two of the legislators (Sen. Krauter and Sen. Warner) submitted reimbursement for per diem on their reimbursement forms after the trip. Both were paid their salary.
