Lou Walks The Talk

I spotted this item posted by Claudio Gallegos over at Orange Juice:

Honorable John Chiang
California State Controller
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear State Controller Chiang:

As you are aware, the State of California has begun the new fiscal year without passage of a State Budget and its spending authorities.

I recognize that differing perspectives are being weighed and issues being negotiated; however, while this give and take is occurring, many other Californians face the possibilities of shortages and non payments for both services and goods provided.

I regard the constitutional deadline for passage of a State Budget as more than an arbitrary measure, but as a responsibility that reasonable people should be resolved to meet. Our State’s citizens and our many vendors deserve that effort.

Accordingly, I respectfully request that you withhold my salary until such time as the 2007 – 2008 budget is passed.

I appreciate your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
LOU CORREA
State Senator, 34th District

Nice going, Lou. Other California legislators may have done something similar, but I can't recall any.

That takes some guts, especially if the budget impasse takes a long time. I was a legislative staffer during the four-month budget stand-off in 1992 (I think that was the year), when they issued us "warrants" instead of paychecks. Not getting paid for four months wasn't fun.

Kudos to you, Lou.

Comments

[Bladerunner]

Mr. Correa Goes to Sacramento.........

Keep it up Lou. You're driving some on the wings nuts but they love you in the District.