sentences:  Soto died February 26, 2009 after months of declining health.In 2007, Soto was criticized for not being in Sacramento for 25 days while she was out sick, and collecting a total of $22,032 as a per diem.This money is a standard amount paid out to legislators not just for travel and living expenses , as she was criticized for, but also to pay for district office space, utilities, and staff resources etc.