The Pennsylvania Legislature's budget reserve for its own operations is continuing to rise, reaching $172 million for the year that ended last June.
The Legislative Audit Advisory Commission voted Tuesday to approve what's an annual spending report for state lawmakers and their staff.
The report says the legislative branch spent $362 million over that year, up slightly from $355 million in the 2017-18 fiscal year.
The largest type of expense, by far, is payroll and benefits, which cost slightly over $299 million. Other spending categories include $4 million for transportation, $2.4 million for travel, and $2.5 million for postage. Lawmakers' budgetary reserve peaked at $215 million in 2006.
