HELENA -- Montana's first poet laureate has largely relied on the kindness of friends and strangers to make ends meet during the past 18 months.

The position created by the 2005 Legislature isn't paid. To make up for that, Poet Laureate Sandra Al-cosser of Florence has pinched pennies by carpooling to poetry readings, accepting donations and staying in people's homes -- rather than hotels -- in the communities she's visited.

Last month, she asked lawmakers to make things easier on the next poet laureate by compensating them for travel expenses.

The House rejected that request Saturday, 53-47. Opponents called any reimbursement unnecessary and said the position should remain an honorary one.

"This is truly growing government in a non-required way," said Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman. "How is this going to help the people of Montana who need health insurance or who need child support or day care? It doesn't do anything for the state of Montana."

Rep. Robin Hamilton, D-Missoula, said his bill wouldn't spend state money.

Instead, it would allow the Montana Arts Council to use about $4,000 in federal grant money to reimburse travel expenses under the position, he said.

Rep. Franke Wilmer, D-Bozeman, said she's "ashamed" that Alcosser has had to "pass the hat" for her travel costs and urged lawmakers to vote for the bill.

Opponents said the Arts Council is already strapped for cash, and wondered where it would get the extra grant money for such expenses.

Others worried the bill would lead to requests for more money or a salary.

"This person knew up front it was going to be an honorary position," Rep. Bruce Malcolm, R-Emigrant, said. "There was no money from the state for it. I'm sorry, but that's the rules of the game. I don't think this body needs to start down this slippery road in spending more money."

The bill is House Bill 671.