Utah Rep. Chaffetz off to a frugal start

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12657174

One of 435 members of the U.S. House, in the minority party and a freshman, he doesn't hold much sway over the $3.6 trillion budget. But he has complete control over one piece of it: the $1,478,917 yearly allowance for running his office.

So far, he seems to be putting taxpayers' money where is mouth is.

Chaffetz spent the least of Utah's three House members in the first quarter of the year, about $242,000, including travel, rent and staff salaries. Compared to the same time period last year, Chaffetz also spent less than former Rep. Chris Cannon, whom he beat in the Republican primary.

"We're going to come under budget" for the year, Chaffetz vows. "We have to remember it's not our money. It's the taxpayers'."

His goal is returning a six-figure amount to the treasury. If he stays on his current track, the refund would top $500,000.

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