SACRAMENTO, Calif—
A California commission has cut benefits and allowances for the state's lawmakers and top elected officials.The California Citizens Compensation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to reduce by 18 percent the per diem allowance, car allowance and health insurance and other benefits. The cuts are expected to take effect in December 2009.
Lawmakers currently receive about $173 each day the Assembly or Senate meets - an amount commission member Kathy Sands called "unjustifiable."
Senators are also covered for 90 percent of a monthly car lease of up to $350. For Assembly members, the lease can be up to $400.
In May, the commission voted to reduce lawmakers' salaries by 18 percent. Those cuts are expected to take effect in 2010.
