NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- News of an increase in lawmakers' per diem pay led to a lot of talk Thursday on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers used to get $171 a day to cover lodging, food and incidentals. Now, it's $185.

Video: Timing Of Per Diem Raise Questioned

State law has given lawmakers the right to take per diem pay for years, and it's fixed to a federal formula. The current economic crisis, though, has some wondering if that needs to change.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't pay well to serve at the statehouse. Representatives only make $18,000 a year, so, for many, per diem pay makes up the cost of commuting.

"To me, I see it as a reimbursement," said Rep. Eddie Bass, District 65. "I only use it when I have to come, and I don't come every day for the purpose of per diem."

The amount increased in recent years: $161 in 2008, $171 in 2009 and now $185 a day. Lawmakers didn't vote for the increase; the law that relies on a federal formula normally increases every year.

Records show several lawmakers -- such as Sen. Douglas Jackson, Sen. Jim Tracy and Rep. Lois DeBerry -- seem to reap the fullest benefit of per diem pay.

But others, such as Rep. Glen Casada, use it sparingly.

"There should be nothing that's sacred, and that includes our per diem," Casada said. "I think it's not right that we take a small increase, $14 a day, when we're having to cut everyone else."

Earlier this year, the House leadership urged lawmakers to cut back when the Legislature wasn't in session.

Some would like to see a long-term change to state law, as the increase alone this year could cost the state more than $350,000.

"I do think that we, in the General Assembly, need to look at delaying that a year," Casada said.

"It just, to me, seems to be the wrong message," said Sen. Bo Watson, District 11.

State workers don't get per diem but can reimburse mileage and a few expenses. Metro government per diems are based on the city where workers are traveling.