For Massachusetts lawmakers per diem travel reimbursements can add up to thousands of dollars per year, but some senators and representatives, including Sen. Eldridge, decline to collect.

According to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette legislators can get paid for travel expenses for every day they commute in to Boston.

Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, was reimbursed the largest amount of money at $9,360. Rep John Binienda, D-Worcester, commuted the most days of any legislator at 241 and will be reimbursed $8,676.

According to Eldridge, he generally travels to and works from Boston "Monday through Thursday, most weeks of the year." He is one of the 17 state senators who did not take per diems in 2011.

“I look around and many of my neighbors and fellow residents are taking the train or driving in and I am reasonably certain they are not getting payment for driving or taking the train in. So that's what I do as well,” Eldridge told the Telegram.