In a June 20 memo to Speaker Sam Gargan, Steen said members need the cash to meet the dress code of the legislative assembly.

Though no dress code is defined, the rules of the legislative assembly require members to dress "in native attire or in a manner appropriate to the dignity of the assembly."

Steen reasoned the allowance, "would be seen as comparable to other GNWT employees, such as park wardens, wildlife officers and tradesmen, who do receive an allowance."

Steen said the assembly should also be providing more money for filing cabinets and shelving for members' constituency offices.

At least one member, Yellowknife North's Roy Erasmus, backed up Steen's requests.

Erasmus added more cash should be available for newsletters and the salaries of constituency assistants.

Expense guidelines currently allow for up to $5,000 for office furniture, $27,778 for a constituency assistant and $1,000 per session for newsletters.

MLAs are also entitled to draw on the public purse for food, travel, accommodation and office space. And in the case of cabinet ministers, household costs also come out of the public purse.

Last year Steen was paid $73,697 and claimed another $64,767 in expenses. Erasmus collected $72,599 in pay and $45,181 in expenses.

Ordinary MLAs get paid about $65,000 annually. Cabinet ministers pull in just over $100,000.