Tax Guzzlers (CA Legislators trade in SUVs for more gravy)

Los Angeles Daily News ^ | 6/5/03 | Editorial

[Mark]

Los Angeles Daily News

Tax guzzlers Legislators trade in SUVs for more gravy

To the great surprise of many, it seems that state legislators do, in fact, have some sense of shame.

Last year, when Sacramento Democrats were busily pushing legislation to crack down on California's sport utility vehicle owners, it came to light that many of the would-be environmental crusaders themselves drove SUVs -- on the taxpayers' dime, no less.

Embarrassed by their own hypocrisy, legislative Democrats are now working on ways to purge the behemoths from their fleet. The state Senate might soon bar its members from using their state allowance to lease an SUV, while the Assembly opted for a sweeter approach: The payoff.

Under the current rules, Assembly members who opt for a super fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel vehicle get an extra $10,000 for their office accounts.

Pretty nice deal, huh?

Here, take a new car, and while you're at it, take $10,000!

There may be a budget crisis going on, but that won't stop the state's leaders from taking care of themselves.

[Mark]

These fine politicians must be under paid. Why else would they use sneaky tactics to get more money? Why have we failed to care for the elite of this fine state? I hang my head in shame.(/Lib medications)

[Mark]

Yet more decay in the Golden State.

[Mark]

CA ping.

[Oztrich Boy]

To the great surprise of many, it seems that state legislators do, in fact, have some sense of shame.

Under the current rules, Assembly members who opt for a super fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel vehicle get an extra $10,000 for their office accounts.

The first sentence seems to lack foundation.