Curbing Zien's special cycle payments

Looks like publicity is going to cost State Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, a few bucks.

When the Journal Sentinel first reported that Zien was being paid more than double the mileage reimbursement a state employee would get for riding a motorcycle -- and claiming thousands of miles on official business -- Zien was defiant and his GOP leadership backed him up.

Since then the paper has reported that members of the Assembly who ride cycles collect only half as much as Zien.

His hometown paper, the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, editorialized that Zien shouldn't get special treatment.

Now, it appears the Senate is about to change the rules, which will cost Zien thousands of dollars in reimbursement. In the last two and a half years alone, Zien has claimed $7,500 more than a state employee would have gotten for riding the same number of miles.

Zien may not understand why State Senators should be treated like everyone else, but Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, seems to have gotten the message.