Dykema One of Few Legislators to Not Claim Travel Costs

For Massachusetts lawmakers per diem travel reimbursements can add up to thousands of dollars per year, but some senators and representatives including Rep. Dykema decline to collect.

According to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette legislators can get paid for travel expenses for every day they commute in to Boston.

Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, was reimbursed the largest amount of money at $9,360. 

Dykema is one of the 45 state representatives out of 160 who did not take per diems in 2011.

"Representing the 8th Middlesex is a job I take seriously 7 days a week—traveling to Ways and Means hearings across the state to learn about the state of our Commonwealth’s budget, meeting with constituents throughout the 4 towns I represent and also working in my Boston office.  I have declined travel per diems since I know that many of my neighbors make the same commute without such financial support; it’s a personal choice for me," Dykema said in an email.