Posted on 06/08/2009 7:55:48 AM PDT by SmithL
Nothing in California law says legislators have to sink with the ship of state – and a forced pay cut this year is unconstitutional, so sacrifice is a person-by-person decision.
Most say no, state records show.
Four of every five lawmakers are accepting full pay of $116,208 in a year of multibillion-dollar deficit, major program cuts and mandatory salary reductions for state workers.
Larry Gerston, a political science professor at San Jose State University, said voters want lawmakers to look in the mirror as they tackle a $24.3 billion shortfall.
"The perception is that legislators aren't doing their job," Gerston said. "Right or wrong, that's the perception. So take it one step further: If you're not doing your job, why am I paying you?"
The Senate and Assembly are committed to reducing their operating expenses through June 2010, but they have no control over pay of their elected members, which is set by an independent commission.
Besides salary, lawmakers are entitled to about $35,000 annually in tax-free per diem for living expenses, plus use of a leased vehicle, with gasoline and maintenance. Seventeen legislators have rejected the car and six have turned down per diem.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
These guys have been backing up to the pay window for years. What’s new?
And the a@@holes keep electing the same garbage, what can anyone expect. Just for fun, check what the judges get paid. Keep a barf bag handy.
Can you say,”Oligarchy?”
In times like these, we need really good people. Give them all a big raise so we can attract better people. More perks too. /s
Maybe Obama will step in and try to limit the amount that these legislators can get, just like he’s done with the bigwigs in these failed companies.
I think I’m going to start holding my breath for that.
“The perception is that legislators aren’t doing their job,”
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No, they just forget who they work for as soon as they are elected.
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