Spending more than time in the capital city

When legislators are in town, revenue rolls in for local business.

Although some business leaders may dread the convening of the Nevada Legislature, which meets for 120 days every two years, it's a boon for the service industry.

"When you look at our sales tax and the benefit of having them in town, food and beverage will increase, room revenues will increase, gaming has a piece of that, the whole economy benefits," said Susan Johnson, Carson City director of finance.

Locally owned restaurants, such as City Café and Bakery, Comma Coffee and Mom and Pop's, fill up for lunch. Downtown Carson Street hosts a procession of dark-suited patrons clutching briefcases during legislative breaks. Popular after-dinner spots, such as Adele's and the Old Globe Saloon, fill with those seeking a little relief from law making.

Glen Eagle's restaurant may be off the beaten path, 3700 N. Carson St., but every table is full for lunch, said the general manager. They look forward to it.

"We share the wealth with the rest of the city," said Vicki Shell, general manager.

Lobbyists host legislative receptions. At about 12:15 p.m. all 38 tables are full, Shell said. The 33 part-time staff members go to full-time until June.

Each session, every legislator has a maximum of $10,000 reimbursed for travel expenses. Law makers who live close to Carson City tend not to use it as much. Las Vegas legislators spend it on airfare, said Legislative Counsel Bureau Executive Director Lorne Malkiewich.

Those who live more than 50 miles from the capital receive a housing allowance equal to the average one-bedroom rent. In Carson City, that's $600 a month. Some legislators rent a house together, others book suites at local hotels two years in advance.

"They have all our suites," said Judy Day, front desk supervisor at the Plaza Hotel, which is a short walk from the Legislature.

The Plaza has 168 rooms and about 55 are filled long term with legislators. They have special room rates: $42 for the suites, which is $20 below cost, and $38 for deluxe rooms. Legislators enjoy a stove, microwave and mini fridge in the suites.

Room tax revenue is going up, but that isn't necessarily attributed to the Legislature; more likely it has to do with hotels raising their rates, said Candy Duncan, Carson City Convention & Visitors' Bureau executive director.

For instance, in 2004, the total amount collected was $669,300. In 2005, the last legislative session, it was $744,600. Duncan said it's hard to detect the Legislature in this because last year $779,500 was collected.

Legislators tend to stay in long-term places, and apartments stop collecting room tax after 28 days, Duncan said. Rumors circulate that renters increase their rates every two years in February.

Even hotels priced out of the budget of lawmakers see a hiccup in business. The Hampton Inn & Suites, which ranges in price from $99-$139 a night, books up with lobbyists and others who do business with the state.

"The additional business has allowed us to sell out more often," said Devin Lussier, general manager of the hotel.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.