California Democrats are gathering their forces to beat back an attempt by a conservative Republican lawmaker to turn California's Legislature into a part-time body. Voters approved creating a full-time Legislature in 1966 and with few exceptions it has been Democrat-dominated ever since.
Specifically, the initiative would create a three-month, 90-day session at the state capitol, and reduce salaries for individual lawmakers from the present $7,940 monthly to $1,500 monthly. The annual salary would go from $95,291, down to $18,000, thus allowing legislators to hold a private-sector job at home in the district.
The new proposal would also prohibit legislators from accepting state employment or appointment to a state government position for five years after they leave the Capitol.
The annual cost to support the full-time Legislature has risen to $256 million, and created a culture of professional politicians — the direct opposite of a citizen-Legislature.
And it's a good thing the Democrats are working overtime to ensure their strangle hold on a full time legislature. Otherwise how would they introduce important legislation like ACR 99. A concurrent resolution by Assemblymember Fuentes that would:
"Recognize September 2012 as National Coupon Month and would acknowledge the value of coupons in achieving significant savings for California consumers."
Apparently the Democrats love saving California taxpayers money... as long as that savings doesn't mean tax cuts, tax breaks or in any way shape or form come at the expense of their cushy full time legislative salaries.
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