State lawmakers in Washington spent $660,000 in taxpayer funds to promote themselves and what they are doing in Congress, according to a report on spending by members of the House of Representatives.
And while the practice, known as franking, is legal, advocacy groups say it’s just another perk that congressmen give themselves to gain an advantage over challengers, according to NJ.com.
The money goes toward sending out mailers, newletters and other media informing voters of how the congressional representatives stand on issues or how they are serving constituents. Critics say the messages resemble campaign mailings – only they are paid for by the public. Rules prohibit the mailings from being sent out close to an election.
Data made available from the Clerk of the House shows Republican Chris Smith, who represents the fourth district, spent $158,665 in 2017 – the highest amount by a New Jersey representative. Republican Tom MacArthur was second, spending $154,845, and Democrat Donald Norcross was third, spending $114,789.
While Smith’s representatives did not comment, a MacArthur spokesman told NJ.com the congressman would rather use money in his annual budget to communicate with constituents than on other things.
Democrat Donald Payne Jr., in the 10th district, and Republican Frank LoBiondo, who is retiring this year from his post representing the 2nd district, spent no money on franking.
Quote of the Day: “The incumbent is actually using taxpayer dollars to have an advantage over anyone who wishes to challenge him or her.” — Craig Holman, a lobbyist with Public Citizen, consumer rights advocacy group .
Your lawmakers used $660K of your money to tell you about themselves. Who spent the most?
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