Controller Halts Pay For California Lawmakers

California state Controller John Chiang is halting pay for state lawmakers, saying their budget plan was not balanced.

Chiang issued his decision Tuesday after conducting an analysis of the budget package pushed through by Democratic lawmakers last week on a simple majority vote. They said they believed that action allows them to continue receiving paychecks, but Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the package, saying he didn't want to see billions more in borrowing or questionable maneuvers.

Chiang, whose office issues paychecks, found the package did not meet the constitutional requirements for a balanced budget. He says, "The numbers simply did not add up."

Under Proposition 25, lawmakers don't get paid their salary or living expenses if they miss the deadline.

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