State panel cuts some lawmaker benefits, perks [Updated]

A state panel today cut car allowances, health coverage and tax-free living-expense payments for California legislators. The 18% reduction by the California Citizens Compensation Commission follows an earlier pay cut, also 18%, enacted to affect new lawmakers after next year.

The decrease in benefits will take effect Dec. 1. The commission’s attorney said it lacks the authority to adjust the per-diem payments.

But after the 5-0 vote, Chairman Charles Murray said: "We have a job to do on our part to solve the budget problem." The panel said its move would save $1.2 million annually.

[Updated at 1:25 p.m.: Murray said he felt confident that the commission was on solid legal ground after he consulted with outside attorneys. And the budget crisis requires the state’s 120 legislators and 12 statewide elected officials to share the sacrifice being experienced by most Californians during the economic recession, he said.

The commission, whose members are appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, was created in 1990 when California voters approved a proposition taking out of elected officials’ hands the authority to set their own salaries and benefits.

California lawmakers are the highest paid in the country, and can receive a car of their choosing for use in their districts, as well as an unlimited gas card. The state has spent $3.2 million during the last three years buying cars for legislators, covering gas cards and paying to repair the vehicles when they break down or are crashed, The Times reported this month.

"You have some people out there with vehicles worth $54,000," said Commissioner John Stites II, an L.A. County sheriff’s sergeant.

The state pays $350 of each car’s monthly cost. The commission action would cut that by $63, which legislators would have to absorb. Lawmakers also get $173 each day—about $36,000 a year-- in tax-free per diem expenses meant to defray the cost of living in Sacramento while the Legislature is in session.

"I feel that is a lot of money,’’ said Commissioner Kathy Sands. "The $173 really isn’t justifiable."

Murray noted that most state employees traveling to Sacramento for work get $124 per diem. The commission’s latest action, if it stands, would cut legislators’ per diem by about $6,480 a year.

The panel also voted to cut by 18% the state’s funding of health, vision, dental, disability and life insurance for state elected officials, costing each affected official about $3,600 annually. The action would save the state about $475,000 per year, according to Commissioner Scott Somers.]

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento

Comments

[Joe, California]

Our politicans waste so much money on so many un-necessary things. It is finally good to hear that they are getting cuts! For what they are paid and how they abuse the system, compared to what they are doing for the public, they should have to pay back their salaries because they are doing nothing to help the citizens they are supposed to represent. All politicans, from Obamasiah to Pesoli, Feinstein, Boxer ect. all have a holier then thou attatude and care less for the average person. We are just numbers to them and they will continue to spend our money foolishly as long as we allow it. Time to stop their abuse now!

[Jim]

Thanks Joe, for such an unbiased comment. Long live the white and pure republicans!!!

[Marlena Christiansen]

There should be no per diem nor any cars or gas at taxpayers expense. Where do they get off? The majority of folks pay for their cars, insurance, gas, maintenance, food and lodging - nobody pays that for me - that is just outrageous that we have these pigs at the trough - take care of your life and do your jobs.

[Steve Lee]

California Legislators are really good at taking care of themselves and their campaign contributors, the teachers and other public employee unions.
Spend, spend, spend 'til daddy takes the checkbook away...is what's going to happen now that the once "Golden State" is broke.
Google: think democracy

[Marcos El Malo]

I feel bad for Joe. He could be a poster child for our failing school systems.

[Jorge Jimenez]

Steve Lee.....you say legislators take care of themselves and contributors. I agree, but why you mention teachers??? Are you aware of the amount of teachers being laid off? No legislator is "taking care" of them right now. They are increasing class sizes to 45 students in classrooms with capacity for 35 at most. They are forcing districts to cut any funding to special programs that are more necessary than half of the money mismanaged and misspent by the California government.
The problem here is that we have a Governor that has nothing to lose (he doesn't have to worry about a re-election) playing chicken with legislators who are worried only about re-election. Career politicians rather let things get really ugly so they can blame and point fingers during their campaign...That is the problem right now.

[THE HORROR.]

Finally somebody in Sacramento has to pay for once.

[Jimors]

Depending on job responsibilities and requirements vehicle and per-diem (per-day) expenses are perfectly fine. What is not being used is the states ability to negotiate maximum purchase power and make legislators adhere to reasonable expectations.

By assigning vehicles and making everyone drive a predetermined American make/model vehicle would allow quantity purchase power. It would also help our car manufacturing industry. As far as per-diem expenses since more often then not the legislators are being wined-and-dined by lobbyists, reimburse them only actual costs for meals. For accommodations have them house at middle-of-the-road hotels. Better yet, have the state look into picking up some corporate housing properties. I hear land values are a bargain right about now. Those that cannot lower themselves to this type of Spartan existence. (Where ya at Willie?) Should find a different job and have their expenses audited.

Remember it's supposed to be public service before room-service or full-service.

[Kate]

This country is not a country to be proud of anymore. Those in charge have made this their country. Their yachts, cars, homes, vacations....it is not about the country as a whole. It is about these greedy ones who hold office.

People need to stand together. If you have never held a sign or picketed, it is time to wake up. Becoming an active participant in this country's affairs is the only way we will prevail.

[Mark Elliot]

Re: "State panel cuts some lawmaker benefits, perks,' this is the low-hanging fruit if legislators want to indicate to constituents that they feel our pain. The LA Times roster of most expensive automobiles shows how out of touch legislators are with where progressive Californians are headed: these $50,000 vehicles are all SUVs.
And remember the recent bid to hike staffers' salaries? Shame.
Legislator disregard for shared sacrifice is only too evident when taxpayer-funded perks are exposed. Let them eat cake.

[weekendwanderer]

I my opinion the legislators are overpaid and over compensated in every way. Eliminate the per diem completely, eliminate all benefits, remember this is a part-time job and most part time jobs recieve limited, reduced or no benefits. Just by eliminating the per diem the state saves over 4 million a year. Don't they recieve enough compensation to pay for their own cars? This all sounds like the fat cats on Wall street living the high life while middle America foots for the bill. I believe you should recieve compensation for how well you do the job.