Despite his fervent claim to be an opponent of government spending, state Rep. Joe Carr of Murfreesboro ranked at the top of the class of Republican House lawmakers asking for taxpayer-funded expense reimbursements, Tennessee Democratic Chairman Chip Forrester pointed out.

“Mr. Carr seems to be talking out of both sides of his mouth on this issue,” Forrester said. “Back home he rants about taxes, but he sure comes to Nashville often to collect his per diem, which reimburses lawmakers for their expenses while doing official business.

“Speaker Kent Williams even sent a letter recently to House members encouraging them to limit use of expense money they collect from the state.”

According to the General Assembly’s administrative office, Carr claimed nearly $17,000 in per diem, more than House Republican Leader Jason Mumpower of Bristol. Carr is a first-term legislator representing Tennessee’s 48th House District. His per diem request included more than $7,300 in out-of-session work-day expenses.

Two other House members representing the Murfreesboro area, Democrat Kent Coleman, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee and Republican Donna Rowland each only claimed $12,825 in per diem. Additionally, Coleman claimed only $379.80 in out-of-session per diem, and Rowland claimed $1,177.20 in out-of-session per diem.

Carr also asked to be reimbursed $1,425.60 in mileage expenses, bringing his total expense claims to $18,354.60. Coleman filed $756 in mileage expense while Rowland claimed $831.60 in mileage expense.

“Another important issue that hits home with many families in the 48th district is the family budget,” Carr said last year in a local newspaper announcing his candidacy. “In this day and time, every dollar is a stretch and citizens want to know that they have an elected representative who will fight against any and all tax increases, so that we, the taxpayers, can keep more of our hard earned money.”

Forrester said more legislators should “practice what they preach.”

“You have a freshman lawmaker with no leadership responsibilities claiming nearly $20,000 in official expenses,” Forrester said. “Tennesseans would feel less cynical about their elected officials if they would focus more on tackling problems concerning unemployment, high school dropout rates and affordable health care than on divisive and empty rhetoric.

“It seems to me Mr. Carr needs to practice what he preaches, especially in this economy,” he added.