A new bill proposal in New York State would prohibit government officials from collecting frequent-flier benefits earned through travel paid by taxpayers. The bill is aimed at state officials who in the past have been able to pocket free airfare and luxury hotel stays after taking nationwide and international trips while on state business. The measure is currently sponsored by Republicans in the Assembly’s minority, so in order to pass it would likely require a Democrat from the majority. The bill was put together following reports that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver may have earned more than 200,000 frequent-flier miles as a result of routine flights from his home downstate to Albany through Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. According to members of Silver’s staff, the travel through the larger airports is more efficient than infrequent direct flights to Albany, and allows for more time-sensitive work to be completed.
