San Jose elected leaders are set to raise how much they can accept in gifts from business and labor interests, arguing it will save taxpayers money.

The City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to raise its gift limits from $50 to $200, which equates to a higher number of free meals or tickets they can receive at networking luncheons, business conferences and nonprofit celebrations. The item is on the consent agenda, meaning it will be approved without discussion — unless an official pulls it to discuss with colleagues.

Councilmembers argue the current limits force them to pay out of their taxpayer-funded council office budgets, as the cumulative value of ticketed events they attend can exceed $50.

“Many of us attend the Chamber of Commerce barbecue. The South Bay Labor Council holds

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