Oregon lawmakers are considering a measure that would let state workers keep the frequent flyer miles they earn while traveling on official business.
Right now, when state workers fly somewhere or stay at a hotel on official business, any frequent flyer miles or hotel points they rack up have to be turned over to the state. Those travel benefits can then be used to offset the cost of future government travel.
It seems like a great way to save taxpayer money, but the Oregon Department of Administrative Services says the hassle of keeping track of all those miles far outweighs the meager savings — which have totaled around $15,000 over the past six years.
The measure, which was proposed by DAS, would remove the requirement that state agencies manage airline miles, hotel points and other types of "travel awards" earned by people traveling on state business.
The bill would have the effect of letting those employees keep those awards for themselves.
The department's Rob Hamilton said the bill "eases an administrative burden on state agencies and brings it into line with private business practices, the federal government and the majority of other states."
The Senate approved the measure 21-8 Tuesday. It now heads to the Oregon House.
Copyright 2017 Oregon Public Broadcasting
