Luxury Cars For Lawmakers Amid Calif. Budget Mess
SACRAMENTO (AP) — California lawmakers have a perk that seems like a luxury as the state slashes billions of dollars from its budget.
The state buys cars for lawmakers to drive around their districts and the capital under a decades-old program.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports
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It spent more than $5 million for the latest suite of vehicles, including a $55,000 Cadillac and a $52,000 Lexus.
Lawmakers enjoy the benefit when the state is in a financial mess. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has called legislators into a special session next week to address a $6 billion deficit.
San Francisco Chronicle political columnist Phil Matier joins KNX 1070 Newsline
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Lawmakers have already cut programs including health care for children from low-income families, and more cutbacks are on the way.
California is the only state to provide vehicles to its rank-and-file lawmakers for unlimited use.
See the full list of state-subsidized vehicles here.
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