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PHOENIX — As punishment for sticking around the state Capitol too long, local lawmakers will take a pay cut beginning this week.

On Monday, the Legislature hit the 120 day mark, meaning legislators from outside Maricopa County will see their daily expense stipend drop from $60 a day to $20. Those who live in Maricopa County now take home $10 daily instead of $35.

In additional to their $24,000 a year salary, Legislators receive a daily per diem for lodging and food expenses. State law cuts it after 120 days in an effort to entice lawmakers to close up shop sooner rather than later — a policy Tucson legislators say doesn't work.

"I understand the theory to try to incentify us for getting done early, which is a good thing," said Rep. Steve Farley, a Tucson Democrat. "Unfortunately the people who control us getting out early are people who live in Maricopa County. It ends up being an arbitrary punishment."

At this point in the session, it's agreeing on a state budget that is standing in the way of closing out the session. And members say a cut in per diem isn't going to change anyone's vote on that yearly ritual.

"What I think is a greater incentive to finish up is the 100-degree weather in Phoenix," said Sen. Paula Aboud, a Tucson Democrat.

By the way, that's also expected to settle in this week.

While no one here seems to be whining about the loss in pay, some say rushing through the session is not a good policy.

"If you ask the average citizen what's important at the end of the day, they want a budget that's a good budget, and they don't really care if it took a 100 days or 140 days," said Rep. Jonathan Paton, a Tucson Republican.

That view is shared by Rep. Tom Prezelski, a Tucson Democrat, who says the current timeline doesn't seem to have much reasoning to it.

"In the past Legislatures have just done their business until their done with their business, without all these artificial barriers," Prezelski said.

Farley, who held "an end of the per diem party" Monday, is running a pool of when members think the session is going to end. June 24 is the most popular day, but Farley's shooting for June 6.

"The less time we're in session, the less damage we're doing to the people of Arizona," he said.