California Elected Officials' Pay Will Be Cut 18%

Los Angeles Times ^ | May 21, 2009 | Patrick McGreevy and Ann M. Simmons

[nickcarraway]

Citing pay decreases and layoffs being imposed on rank-and-file state workers, the California Citizens Compensation Commission approved the reduction, which also applies to the state attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, controller, insurance commissioner, treasurer, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and members of the Board of Equalization.

"I think they should share in the sacrifices that everyone else has had to encounter," Commissioner Kathy Sands, a former Auburn mayor, said after the panel's 5-1 vote at a meeting in Burbank.

The commission had wanted to decrease current officials' pay, but the panel's attorney said California law does not allow that.

Commission Chairman Charles Murray said the panel's move would allow savings close to those that would have been achieved if a 10% cut had gone into effect this year and continued through next year.

"We see nothing on the horizon that is going to bring us out of" the state budget crisis, Murray said. "How do you find $21 billion in one year?"

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who appoints the commissioners and supported their action today, does not take a salary. One legislator, Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), said he would voluntarily accept the pay cut effective June 1.

But state Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), who will be termed out of the Legislature next year, called the decrease "excessive" and "punitive" and said it may discourage some people from running for state office.

A month ago, members proposed a 10% cut. Today, they cited Tuesday's election results, which will push the state budget deficit as high as $21.3 billion, in making the larger reduction.

[4rcane]

btw, they still get to keep $35k/year living expenses in addition to their walary

[MtnClimber]

The country is swirling around the drain and the swirls are getting smaller. The centrists don’t have the sense to jump out of the toilet and fight it.

[Mikey_1962]

But the kickbacks will still be 100%!

[pieceofthepuzzle]

How about they just work for nothing until they balance their budget.

[Jim Noble]

In New Hampshire, we do not pay members of the House of Representatives and we do not provide them with an office or staff (we do pay Senators).

California, I suggest you try it.

[Jim Noble]

But state Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), who will be termed out of the Legislature next year, called the decrease "excessive" and "punitive" and said it may discourage some people from running for state office.

A highly desirable outcome, IMO.

[Liz]

"Ach der lieber......Kaleefirneeah bankvupt? Ai gotda refife mi caveer. Cahn a
guy chainch hiss mind? Ai gonnah haf sexchual reassignment surgeree undt stah in
remakes ov dem Shurley Tempul pichures.

"Ondah go-o-dt schip, Lahllipop, eets a sveet trip to dah kahndy schop,
vere bonbons play, ondah sunnee beetch at Peppahmint Bahy."

"Lumonade stahnds everyvere, cvakerjack bahnds vill dah air.
Undt dere you ahr, hoppy lahndin on a schocolate bah."

See dah sugar bowl do dah tootsie roll wit dah big bad devils foodt cake.
"Iv you eat too musch ooh-ooh, you avake wit a tummy ache.

" Ondah go-o-dt schip Lahllipop, eets a night tvip intuh bed
you hop, undt dream avay ondah goodt schip Lahllipop."

[supermop]

Should have included the retired/defeated politicians that are appointed to the Waste Management Board too.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks nickcarraway.

Citing pay decreases and layoffs being imposed on rank-and-file state workers, the California Citizens Compensation Commission approved the reduction, which also applies to the state attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, controller, insurance commissioner, treasurer, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and members of the Board of Equalization... The commission had wanted to decrease current officials' pay, but the panel's attorney said California law does not allow that... Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who appoints the commissioners and supported their action today, does not take a salary. One legislator, Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), said he would voluntarily accept the pay cut effective June 1. But state Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), who will be termed out of the Legislature next year, called the decrease "excessive" and "punitive" and said it may discourage some people from running for state office.

What about discouraging people from running for governor? What an a-hole.

[mrsmel]

I think she doesn’t realise that no one should be running for office for the good pay and benefits. Though that’s what they do now. It’s not “public service” anymore, that idea went away long ago.

[mrsmel]

LOL

[JoanneSD]

People will not be discouraged from running for office, it is like hitting lifes lottery, and she knows it....she will be out of office next election, and be free to march for the illegals...every day...

[MHT]

They could also cut out medical care to illegals, education for illegals, and eliminate all school programs, government printed materials, etc. in every language but English. Might save a bit of money.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

But state Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), who will be termed out of the Legislature next year, called the decrease "excessive" and "punitive" and said it may discourage some people from running for state office.

That's right, democrats run for office for da muny!?

[calcowgirl]

Only mulit-millionaires/billionaires need apply.

I think that’s how the CA GOP is choosing their preferred candidates lately, too.

[dragnet2]

California Elected Officials' Pay Will Be Cut 18%

' A fantastic start....Lets go for 30 percent!!

[dragnet2]

Pensions will follow....

[calcowgirl]

"We see nothing on the horizon that is going to bring us out of" the state budget crisis, Murray said. "How do you find $21 billion in one year?"

Completely dishonest question.

The "$21 billion problem" was over a 2 year period. Their tax increases already in place (sales, income, and VLF) solved $16 billion of that. They only need $5 billion more next year (to replace the Lottery borrowing they had hoped for.)

[dragnet2]

Who cares.

Interesting comment.

I care, and since you are from out of state, I could see why you could care less.

Interesting that you and some others continue to bash California, when in fact the biggest Tax protest in modern history, just occurred in *California* of all places. That seems to rub some the wrong way. lol...

In addition, some of the comments from out of staters, such as yours, seem to be suspect. You'd think, after what occurred yesterday, the support would be unrelenting and totally supportive. Obviously this is not the case.

Clearly some posters seem angry at the results of this overwhelming election. From a conservative site yet!

I find that extremely suspect and very odd.

[patton]

It would be of great interest to see a zero-based budget for CA - that is, one where you start at zero, tally up the required-by-law spending, and compare that against an honest assessment of anticipated revenues.

At this point, I suspect the answer is a negative number.