CA Lawmaker Car Program AXED

Once upon a time, California lawmakers were allowed to "lease" brand new cars (of their choice) from the State government, which purchased them on their behalf. Actually, the practice dates back several decades. California would pay for these vehicles, and the maintenance, and the gasoline, and even collision repair! Why don't I get that perk at my job?

Now that the state is on the brink of bankruptcy, it appears this will go the way of the dinosaur. But, lawmakers are quick to point out this act is more political than fiscal, "punitive" they even claim. Wow, tell that to the accountants. The state is going to give the lawmakers a $300 per month allowance towards their transportation costs, and they act like we should feel sorry for them. This is on top of about $100k in salary, by the way.

It's funny how these same lawmakers slash jobs and tell the public that in hard times, everyone must make sacrifices. I guess everyone but them. I think they should go cry to all the teachers getting laid off and furloughed public workers.

http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/04/15/state-lawmakers-lose-their-taxpayer-funded-cars/80507/

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/04/california-lawmakers-lose-their-free-cars.html