(December 7, 2014) Tennessee State News – Tennessee lawmakers can look forward to a nearly $700 increase in their annual salaries and $10 bump in their daily allowance for expenses.

“State workers got no raise this year, but a 2013 increase caused lawmaker salaries to go up by $681.

“Legislators’ base pay will increase to $20,884 under a state law that ties their salaries to state employee compensation over the last two years.

Members of the state Houseand Senate  will receive $198 in daily lodging and dining allowances in 2015, though they still won’t have to submit proof that they spent it all on hotels or restaurants.

For local legislators (Representatives Jimmy Eldridge (R) and Johnny Shaw (D) , and Sen. Ed Jackson (R), That translates to a nearly $700 increase in their annual salaries and $10 bump in their daily allowance for expenses.

Under a new state law, lawmakers living within 50 miles of the Capitol will no longer be eligible for the $132 lodging portion.