Wide disparity in Pennsylvania House staffing

But Crompton said leaders did not use that power to reward or punish - every member is guaranteed a basic support staff, which could include administrative and legislative aides.

"There is no quid pro quo with leadership and the members," Crompton said. "We don't cut staff or cut people's phones off, or not allow them to buy a computer if we don't like something they do."

Still, there are differences. Some of the more senior senators have combined staff budgets for their Harrisburg and district offices that top $600,000. Others make do with half as much.

As a Democratic leader in the House for more than a decade, DeWeese controlled the budgets for the Democratic caucus. Even as a rank-and-file member he still receives $346,000 to run his four district offices.

But DeWeese said facing criminal corruption charges had changed him, and he is fighting to change the system he helped perpetuate.

DeWeese, who will stand trial in the Capitol Bonusgate scandal on charges that he misused legislative staff, supports a bill that would make available online details of all government spending, from salaries to contracts, something New Jersey does.

"In the age of reform there should be alterations to the status quo that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness," DeWeese said in an interview.

But with that bill stuck in the state government committee, the status quo remains. And that angers backbenchers.

"There is disparate treatment," Youngblood said. "But we were all elected to do the same job."

Contact staff writer Amy Worden at 717-783-2584 or aworden@phillynews.com.