For the first time since anyone can remember, state lawmakers and other elected officials are getting a pay cut, starting Monday.
The pay cut’s hefty: 18 percent for Assembly and Senate members, as well as statewide Constitutional officers.
That includes officials such as the Governor, the Attorney General and the Treasurer -although Governor Schwarzenegger doesn’t take a salary. The citizens compensation commission, which is in charge of setting salaries, voted to approve the pay cut in May. Members said it was in response to the state’s budget crisis and state worker furloughs. The 18 percent cut drops a legislator’s pay from about $116,000 to $95,000.
Lawmakers will also see other benefits, such as per diem living expenses cut.