JLBC approves ADE travel-rate increase; mileage to rise from $0.67 to $0.76

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee on a voice vote gave a favorable review to the Arizona Department of Administration’s request to increase state employee travel-reimbursement rates.

JLBC staff member Ethan Schneider summarized the proposal, saying the personal-vehicle mileage reimbursement would increase from $0.67 to $0.76 and that the standard lodging rate would rise roughly $3 (about 2.7%). "We estimate that the mileage rate increase would cost the state $415,000," Schneider told the committee. He also said nonstandard lodging rates would climb on average about $8.40 (5.1%).

Members asked whether the legislator mileage rate would be affected; Schneider noted the legislator rate is already tied to the federal rate and would not change under this request. After brief discussion the Vice Chair moved approval with the JLBC staff provision and the committee approved the motion unanimously.

The motion did not alter the committee’s long-term position on whether the state should continue matching federal rates; staff language clarifies that committee approval does not by itself authorize additional appropriations to cover higher reimbursement costs.