Some New Mexico lawmakers pocketing per diem cash despite working from home: report

Some New Mexico lawmakers have been attending Statehouse sessions virtually, from home, instead of in person – but are still pocketing the per diem cash intended to cover travel expenses, according to a report.

Republican state Sen. Craig Brandt said any lawmaker who doesn’t travel to a Statehouse session should decline that day’s travel money. "It’s required in the Constitution to pay the legislators per diem," Brandt told the station. "It’s not required that the legislator accepts it.