New Per Diem Rates Taking Effect

New per diem rates for federal travelers are effective October 1, with the General Services Administration creating specific rates in five new areas while combining or expanding the boundaries of another two dozen. The standard daily rate in areas without specific rates is rising by $8, to $99, reflecting an increase in the meals and incidental expenses portion from $31 to $39; the standard lodging component is remaining unchanged at $60. For cities with specific rates, the “M&IE” portion will range from $39 to $64, up from the fiscal 2005 range of $35 to $51. Lodging rates in most cities either stayed the same or increased by a few dollars.