No more state-owned cars for California lawmakers. On Thursday, the California Citizens Compensation Commission scrapped a program that allows lawmakers to choose their own vehicles.
Under the current system, the state buys those cars, and then leases them back to lawmakers at a discount. Taxpayers cover insurance, gas and maintenance, at an average cost of $7,500 per lawmaker per year. Beginning in December, lawmakers will instead receive a $300 car allowance each month.
John Vigna, from the office of Assembly Speaker John Perez says the speaker understands the state is short on money, but thinks the commission went a bit too far.
“It’s unfortunate that the commission has decided to punish legislators, but that’s their prerogative,” said Vigna. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s not going to impact the job that we do.”
The Speaker is also concerned about lawmakers with sprawling, rural districts who have to drive long distances to meet with constituents.
