Pence’s Wisconsin state Capitol visit cost $43,500

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to the state Capitol in Madison cost more than $43,000.

Pence spoke in the Capitol rotunda in January to promote policies related to school choice, including the use of private-school vouchers, charter schools and other non-standard options. School Choice Wisconsin, Hispanics for School Choice and National School Choice Week sponsored the event.

The Capital Times reports the visit cost the state Department of Administration, Capitol Police Department and the city of Madison police and fire departments about $43,500.

Documents the newspaper obtained show DOA incurred about $10,423 for the cost of labor, material and equipment preparing for the event. Capitol Police spent about $10,600 for 325 personnel hours and $300 for parking in a county ramp. The Madison Fire Department incurred about $4,000 in overtime costs. Madison Police paid about $18,100 for overtime and other costs associated with protection they provided during the event.

The sponsors plan to reimburse the DOA only about $10,400 of the expenses it incurred related to building, electrical and custodial services. The sponsors say they’ve paid that, although DOA hasn’t received the money yet.