Virginia Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment (R-James City County) in 2012. Norment wants about $750,000 in staff for lawmakers in leadership as well as perks for senators. (Steve Helber/AP)

The Virginia Senate majority leader is asking for about $750,000 in staff for lawmakers in leadership as well as perks for rank-and-file senators who say their part-time salaries are inadequate.

Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City) filed five budget amendments that call for increases in pay and money for more employees over two years in an apparent effort to match Senate spending with that of the House.

The move is the latest round in a periodic tit for tat between the chambers that tends to flare up at the start of senators’ four-year terms, insiders on both sides say.

The proposal is also in keeping with Norment’s penchant for flexing his clout in the General Assembly, as he did earlier this session when he temporarily banished reporters from the Senate floor.

Norment declined to comment on the need for the additional spending, but his spokesman Jeff Ryer said: “Our position is we are a bicameral legislature representing the same 8 million people. We are simply bringing the staff allowances to line up with those in the House.”

Some Democrats said they were skeptical of the budget spending, which probably will get worked out later this session during negotiations over Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s $109 billion budget plan.

Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) questioned the Senate expenditures when Republican lawmakers say the state cannot afford future costs associated with covering 400,000 uninsured Virginians under the Affordable Care Act.

“I look forward to hearing the justification for these budget amendments,” he said. “At a time when we don’t seem able to expand Medicaid and we were unable to help other vulnerable populations, this seems to be a misplaced priority.”

One budget amendment would give Norment a $16,200 expense allowance equal to one received by House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). Norment also earns state salaries as a commissioner of accounts, overseeing the disposition of estates, and teaching at the College of William and Mary.

Anna Scholl, executive director of the left-leaning Progress Virginia, said her organization supports raising legislator pay to make public office more attainable for people who are not independently wealthy.

“But Tommy is not talking about increasing compensation for the General Assembly,” she said. “He’s talking about increasing compensation for himself.”

An additional $20,277 would pay for staff for Sen. Ryan T. McDougle (R-Hanover), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. Norment and McDougle would also hire more legislative assistants and secretaries “for Senate leadership” at a cost of $249,942, according to the budget amendments.

Finally, Norment called for an additional $87,600 to cover the increase in stipends — from $200 to $300 — that senators receive for attending meetings while the General Assembly is not in session. Delegates would still receive $200. Ryer said the increase is necessary because the rate has remained unchanged for some time.

Senators make a yearly salary of $18,000 and delegates $17,640. In addition, each lawmaker receives $15,000 annually for office expenses. During legislative sessions, lawmakers are reimbursed for hotel and mileage costs as well.