California Panel Slashes Funds For Legislator Vehicles
BURBANK, Calif. (AP) -- A state panel has slashed the amount of money California taxpayers will spend to keep legislators on the road.
California has long provided state-paid cars, insurance, repairs and gas for legislators who want them, a cost that according to one estimate averages about $7,500 a year for members of the Senate and Assembly.
But the Citizens Compensation Commission voted Thursday to replace the generous program with a flat, $300 a month payment to legislators, or $3,600 a year.
As of December, they would return their state-provided cars and begin using their personal vehicles to get around their districts.
By one estimate, the change will save the cash-strapped state roughly $2 million over five years.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
