The veteran state legislator is pushing for late operations that double his own pay and the salaries of more than half of his colleagues.

The proposal by R-Peoria Rep. David Livingston is scheduled to be heard Monday in the House Budget Committee, giving lawmakers who live in Maricopa County the right to allow travelling federal employees to allow 80% of their hotel and meal costs every day. That would cost nearly $200 a day.

The only thing is that Maricopa County Councilman, unlike his country counterparts, drives to his office every day.

In fact, they’ve already earned $35 a day just for that reason – and lawmakers have only four sessions per week, but seven days a week.

And it’s a salary of $24,000 a year, plus another measure (also set for discussion on Monday) that’s targeted for voter approval.

However, Livingston told Capitol Media Services that it is wrong to see what is called a “per-DIEM” allowance as simply covering costs. He said instead should be considered part of the lawmakers’ overall compensation.

If all of this seems familiar, then you should.

Lawmakers attempted a similar operation in 2019, linking allowances to the GSA rate.

Then gov. Doug Ducey was happy to help increase the number of county lawmakers.

“There are strong cases to ensure that they are properly aware of what they need to be here at the state capitol in Phoenix during the session,” he wrote. However, he rejected the bill as he attempted to increase the number of lawmakers in the county.

Another measure for those living in 14 other counties was ultimately approved and signed by Ducey, giving them a full GSA rate. This is equivalent to $249 a day in the first 120 days of the session, or $29,880 plus a salary of $24,000.

The actual allowance is greater given that lawmakers can collect it whenever they act “on legislative issues” after the session is over.

Livingston’s scale, using the 80% figure, announces 120-day payroll in addition to a allowance of nearly $24,000.

There is also a provision that you will get 40% of your GSA rate when your session is longer.

That’s not uncommon. In fact, the session was extended until August.

Livingston said he understands that lawmakers living in Maricopa County, especially those who don’t have the same living expenses, are asking lawmakers to approve such a sharp boost to their compensation without seeking voters’ opinions.

But he said an increase in himself and other Maricopa County lawmakers would be appropriate. And Livingston said he believes voters will understand.

As evidence, he cited the recent resignation of former Senator Eva Burch.

“I have struggled to achieve and balance my objectives to balance my legislative work with my job as a healthcare provider,” said a Mesa Democrat.

And Livingston admitted that something else could help persuade his colleagues to go biting potentially politically unpopular bullets – if they act now, it would take another year for lawmakers to run for reelection in the face of voters.

“I think the timing is right,” he said.

Livingston also has another debate as to why county lawmakers should pay more — even if that’s in the form of allowances.

“I think it’s discrimination against members who live in Maricopa County and discrimination against members who live outside of the county due to wage discrepancies,” he said.

And what is the fact that people living in the county have to leave their homes with all their meals, as they don’t have the same expenses as hotels?

“I understand that all,” Livingston said. But that has returned to his point.

“We can’t make a member pay to do the same job, as it’s one, two, three times the other members,” he said. “It’s not fair. It’s discrimination. We do the same job. Whatever it is, you have to pay the same thing, regardless of how you split it.”

But even if Livingston could persuade the majority of lawmakers, it wouldn’t end his fight.

Just like what happened in 2019, changes in allowances still come to the governor. And Katie Hobbs doesn’t seem to be more likely to go with her than her predecessors.

“Salary increases for politicians are high budget control,” Hobbs Press aide Christian Slater told Capitol Media Services.

And then there’s the timing.

He said the plan accused Livingston of spending too much money allocated to foster care programs and services for people with developmental disabilities as he is publicly critical of the governor. In fact, House Speaker Steve Montenegro formed a special new panel to investigate Hobbs’ financial practices.

Slater said if the panel is interested in seeing “mismanagement,” it should probably broaden its focus.

“We look forward to a new ad hoc committee examining Rep. Livingston’s disastrous proposed spending,” he said.