Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Legislators' cars cost taxpayers $3.2 million in three years


Come on and take a free ride... Yup, on taxpayers' dime.. Legislators need to let the cars go and use public transportation or ride a bike. Speaking for me only.

Reporting from Sacramento -- When not in a capital gripped by budget crises, state Sen. Ron Calderon can be found touring his San Gabriel Valley district in a Cadillac STS V8 Luxury Sports Sedan that the state bought for $54,830.The Democrat from Montebello spent an average $83 per week on gasoline last year, charged to California taxpayers on a state-issued card.

When legislators' cars need maintenance or are in accidents -- even with spouses or offspring at the wheel -- taxpayers also pay, state records show. The cost of providing lawmakers with Cadillacs, Lincoln Town Cars, Priuses and Lexuses, keeping the vehicles full of gas and fixing them when they crash was $3.2 million during the last three years.


Although that sum is a small fraction of the $24-billion budget shortfall, it has drawn the attention of the California Citizens Compensation Commission. The panel, which determines lawmakers' pay and recently voted to slash their salaries by 18% starting next year, will meet this week to consider cutting benefits as well.

Read on.

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