Lieu Loses Pay From the Citizens' Compensation Commission

The Citizens' Compensation Commission just issued a 5% pay cut to the political class in Sacramento.

Senator Lieu, I do not object to your collecting a salary for serving as a state senator.

I do object to your using your time so poorly authoring and cosponsoring inane, frivolous, and irrelevant legislation which does not protect the rights of California, secure California's borders, or discharges the immense debt and yearly budget deficits which discourage investment and waste revenue on rising interest rates.

I am saddened that the Compensation Commission attacked so slight an expenditure as lawmakers' salaries. I would prefer a Commission which targeted and eliminated boards, agencies, and state departments which offer redundant, unnecessary,  and overlapping services, all at great cost to taxpayers without providing even the modicum of service.

I believe that a bipartisan commission which identified flippant and frivolous liscensure and permit issuances would serve the state better as well. The Governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, had no choice but to institute private ombudsmen to implement necessary yet politically unpopular budget cuts in communities where local leadership refused to undertake the necessary reforms. Perhaps instituting this revival of the Roman Proconsul would permit the political class to instigate necessary budget cuts, but would shield them from the certain political fallout from affected interest groups.

Senator Lieu, when will you take charge for your district and your state and demand major deficit and spending reductions in the state capital? Your leadership on these matters would command a great deal more respect than piecemeal bills that protect pets, wild animals, and sharks.