Lawmakers' travel not paid for by state

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - Taxpayers did not pick up the tab for any travel by Alabama legislators during the summer convention season, a change from recent years that reflects the state's ongoing budget troubles.

The speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor didn't approve any trips at taxpayer expense, but House Speaker Mike Hubbard says his office worked to find scholarships for several legislators to help cover part of their costs.

Rep. April Weaver of Pelham said she received a $1,000 stipend from the foundation for the National Conference of State Legislatures to attend its meeting in Chicago. The Legislature's only nurse said she participated in a focus group on arthritis and gathered ideas she plans to work into legislation.

Overall, attendance by Alabama legislators was down from past years, when the state picked up the tab.