Freshman MKs to take Knesset 101

Over 50 rookie MKs are set to participate in a crash course on legislation and ethics — and the perks of the job — to be held Sunday in the Knesset, two days before the 19th Knesset is to be sworn in.

During the boot camp, they’ll learn about the dos and don’ts of being a Knesset member — including, for example, what kind of presents they are allowed to accept legally.

The freshman legislators, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday, will also be joined by other lawmakers who previously served in the past but were on a hiatus from the Knesset.

Knesset Secretary Yardena Miller-Horovitz will provide the new parliamentarians with a brief overview. They’ll learn about the procedural rules of committees and how to introduce a bill, and get a glimpse of how business is handled on a day-to-day level around the halls of the Knesset.

The more advanced civics courses will be conducted by Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and his temporary replacement, veteran statesman Benjamin Ben Eliezer.

Legal adviser to the Knesset Eyal Yanon will teach the novice lawmakers about the legislative process, as well as about what they’re allowed (and not allowed) to do — at least in terms of ethics and the shield of immunity. For example, using their position to demand an upgrade on a flight would be forbidden.

Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid, center with tie, surrounded by his fellow party members in early December, 2012. All of his list comprises new MKs, 19 of whom are entering the next Knesset. (photo credit: Yehoshua Yosef/Flash90)

The newbies will also learn about social media and the Knesset, and learn about safety precautions they are advised to take to protect themselves.

After the crash course, they’ll get to hear about the real fun stuff that taxpayers bankroll for them — like their $10,000 (NIS 38,000) per month salaries — as well as other perks, like a spending allowance of up to $13,000 (NIS 49,000) per year for setting up offices outside the Knesset, the hiring of aides (they are each allowed to have two), and executive cars of their choice, and adjustment grants (tied to the number of years they served in the Knesset) for when they depart from the legislature.

No word yet on whether the course will dispense fashion advice to help them spend their $1,000 per month wardrobe stipend.