Why do the taxpayers of Indiana have to foot the bill for food and lodging for our state government officials to do their job by passing the budget? They were elected to do this -- special session or not. This is their job. Nobody pays for my food when I go to work and do my job.

The state is already in enough trouble without them adding to it. Maybe if they had to pay for their own food, $100 lunches and $200 or more dinners would stop. They get a salary and should then budget themselves accordingly. They all should be ashamed of themselves. Do what you were elected to do.

As for their lodging, stay at a budget hotel instead of the higher end hotels with all the amenities. You are not on vacation. You are there to work.

They need to think about the people they are supposed to be representing and not about themselves and only themselves.

What about the people that will lose money that they depend on for their family and bills? The state officials are not losing anything but the taxpayers' trust and respect.

- Mary Ann Boilek, Highland