Posted on 01/17/2011 6:01:28 PM PST by La Lydia
Sacramento — Lawmakers have spent at least $259,000 in taxpayer funds on new SUVs and other vehicles for themselves in the last year despite a push by the new governor and the last one to cut California's fleet amid the state's financial crisis. Newly elected Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D- Salinas) is taking delivery of a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid, worth $37,269. More than $32,000 went to buy a 2011 Ford Edge for freshman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks), a "tea party" activist and the Legislature's most strident conservative. And Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), who was reelected, is now behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford Mustang worth $24,657.
The Assembly bought cars for eight legislators in the last year. An additional 24 new lawmakers are eligible to get new cars but have not yet asked for one, officials said...
The expenditures are "an ongoing symptom of how out of touch legislators are with normal Californians," said Kris Vosburgh, executive director of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn...
The same lawmakers will be taking up Gov. Jerry Brown's plans to cut the government's vehicle fleet of 13,600, which he says is too large. "To reduce the number of vehicles in the state's fleet, the administration will require each vehicle's purpose and necessity to be rejustified," according to the budget Brown released Monday.
The most expensive new car was purchased for Alejo. The assemblyman wanted to get a hybrid for environmental reasons, and needed a new car because he drives from his district to Sacramento and back every week — unlike many of his colleagues who fly home, spokeswoman Marva Diaz said....
Vosburgh suggested newly elected lawmakers use the cars that had been assigned to their predecessors, or borrow an existing car from the state's massive fleet....
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
A California "conservative" oinking at the trough.
I would like to know what percent of the big three’s new sales go to government agencies? I just don’t see regular people dropping $25000 for a car. Maybe they go into debt to buy it?
Also, I wonder if governments do not buy toyotas and hondas? Maybe this is another back door bailout of the unionized auto companies.
I remember year ago the FBI searching this house. Every one of the GSA cars were dull and cheap. Only the best for our union masters in Sacramento.
California government employees are treated like celebrities by state government.
Kali don’t need no stenkin revenue, Wilson left with a surplus in the treasury.
Ahhh...Poor government employees have to use tax paid cars that are dull? What a shame....
I’m glad they get new cars on my nickel. My wife drives a 15 year old Explorer just to make sure they get their new cars. We are very happy to eke by to make sure our betters are well off. I’m sure you are too.
I noticed the examples in the excerpt were all Fords. Not a single GM.
What’s Jerry Brown getting? A Rolls Royce Hybrid?
I live outside of Washington, DC, repository of all your money. $25,000 is peanuts for a car around here.
Hey there Tim, you just made my list of dorks who will be turned out of office next election.
You make enough money to pay for your own vehicle.
Hard to believe CA is $25 Billion in the hole.
Better yet, just give them the old 100,000 mile Highway Patrol Cars that are always up for auction. Worked for the Blues Brothers...
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