The deputies authorized a 70% increase in their wages for 2005. They increased their salary base, their expenses budget and representation budgets, and will now be paid RD$167,984 a month up from a stipend of around RD$100,000 in December 2004, as reported in Diario Libre. This is in addition to perks such as membership of the Legislators’ Club and two full tax exemptions on vehicles per every four years. Their base salary was increased from RD$60,000 to RD$89,987, their expense account went up from RD$10,000 to RD$20,000 and their representation expenses from RD$9,000 to RD$17,997. Their social program allotment was increased from RD$20,000 to RD$40,000.