OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Seven Washington legislators and an aide have been told to pay back up to $18 each for box lunches they ate at a discussion of marijuana laws.
The Legislative Ethics Board threw out a complaint against lawmakers who invited travel writer Rick Steves to the Capitol in October to talk about several topics, including decriminalizing marijuana. But legislative administrative leaders say those who ate free lunches provided by the American Civil Liberties Union should pay the state the value of the food because it can be considered part of the $90 a day spending allowance they receive.
The Olympian newspaper reports that two senators and a Senate staffer are repaying $18 each. Five House members are paying just $9.50. House counsel Tim Sekerak said the House conducted a formal investigation into the cost of the box lunch before deciding on the lower charge.
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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com
