Monday, June 8, 2009

Most California lawmakers refuse to take pay cut

Members of the California Legislature, who plunged the Golden State into a financial mess that is forcing the layoff of thousands of state workers and salary cuts for the remaining employees, have mostly refused to take pay cuts themselves. That shouldn't surprise you. They are a self-centered, self-absorbed bunch.

The Sacramento Bee reports that four out of five state lawmakers are taking the full pay of $116,208 a year. The state has a $24.3 billion budget gap, and most state workers are facing pay cuts and furloughs. Other have been terminated. But lawmakers must reduce their pay voluntarily, and most of them have refused.

A pay commission has reduced the pay of future lawmakers by 18%, but that won't kick in until they are in new terms. The state is prohibited from cutting legislative pay during the current term, which is why it must be done voluntarily. So far, there are few volunteers.

Seems like this is more of "Do as I say, not as I do."

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