Even subjects like math and creative writing are often taught as committee projects.
Afterward, she said, Mr. Abate told her she could no longer serve as committee chairwoman.
The party rules state that Mr. Heastie, as committee chairman, is responsible for running the meeting.
She was ousted as committee chair, then the death threats began.
Aside from their base pay, lawmakers also earn more if they serve in leadership positions or as committee chairmen.
In return, the different opposition parties can have other plum jobs, such as committee chairmanships or government ministries.
When Romney took over as committee president in February 1999, the organizers faced a $379 million deficit.
As committee chairman, Mr. Gantt has blocked an assemblywide vote on the city's request for 25 more cameras.
In 2007, Frank used his influence as committee chairman to insure that the housing trust-fund bill finally passed the House.
He said committee work was part of the job, and the stipends for serving as committee officials allowed Mr. Madigan to steer extra pay toward lawmakers.
The House paid members who serve as committee chairmen and spokesmen (Springfield's term for ranking minority members) $10,326 each in addition to their $67,836 salaries.
