Calderon's proposal to cut size of legislature will save lots of money

By Enrique Duarte
CNNExpansión.com

The reduction in the number of deputies and senators proposed by President Felipe Calderón not only would prompt changes in the democratic regime but also significantly reduce spending, observers say.

As part of a sweeping policy reform Calderon proposed on Tuesday, the number of members of the Camara de Diputados from 500 to 400 and of the Senate from 128 to 96.

This would translate into less spending on legislators' salaries as well as such perks as cars and drivers, staff and consultants, telephone and other communications services, entertainment expenses and others as well as the money spent on campaigns.

Jose Luis de la Cruz, a professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, estimated that reducing the size of the legislature would save between $157 to $236 million.

In exchange for reducing their numbers, deputies would be eligible for up to three additional three-year terms in office and senators could be re of-elected to an additional six-year term, for a limit of 12 years for both, under Calderon's proposal.

Earlier this week it was revealed that each senator will receive around $18,360 in bonuses for each of the six years in office. Senators have a base salary of $12,607 a month.

Deputies, meanwhile, receive some $5,121 in bonuses and a salary of at least $148,000 a year.

www.cnnexpansion.com/economia/2009/12/15/ahorro-en-gastos-con-menos-legisladores