California is nearing bankruptcy. We can’t afford special interests, massive social spending, pork and perks.

It’s high time a grassroots organization stepped up and introduced a financial proposition.

When the state budget is in deficit (discounting “creative financing or optimistic income projections”) or the budget isn’t passed on time, the Senate and Assembly members’ salaries...simply...stop!

Legislators and staffers are required to turn in state issued cars and credit cards. No legislator per diem. No expense money. No state monies paid out to legislators, staffers or their agents.

Plus no retroactive pay when they do pass a budget! Violation of these conditions by a legislator, staffer or other person should be a felony subject to imprisonment. (Legislators will then be in a much better position to evaluate the danger level presented by those who inhabit California’s prisons!)

Being fair, the state continues to pay medical insurance for legislators. But until they get off their collective duffs and pass an on-time, balanced budget without “perks and pork” they don’t get paid one thin dime.

It’s also time to abolish the legislative retirement package and invest legislators in Social Security.

That’d make them bring pressure on their Federal cronies to truly “fix” Social Security and get it right. No exemptions or “special packages.”

We might even get regular citizens in government. People who have no interest in playing footsie with special interest and want government by the people, for the people.

What a novel concept!

Rocky Warren, Colfax