As the state economy continues to plunge, Legislators retain some of the "cushiest" employee benefits imaginable. These include, lifetime health coverage after five years, $50,000 life insurance funds, paid vacations of up to six weeks a year and, of course, six-figure salaries. This article in the Sacramento Bee reports.
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HJTA president Jon Coupal is quoted on ABC7 news regarding the new bill that could double the CRV charge to bottles and cans. Though California already has a relatively high recycle rate, lawmakers have submitted this bill to add an extra $300 million to the CRV fund. As Coupal states, this bill looks and acts like a tax.

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This article in the Santa Maria Times describes how California’s mounding debt is threatening to tip over into state bankruptcy. Even with the recall of Governor Gray Davis, state spending has continued to grow and the economy has continued to shrink. This is due in large part to the state's stranglehold on business activities through extensive environmental regulations.

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This article in the Los Angeles Times exposes the millions of taxpayer dollars being spent on personal vehicles and transportation for state lawmakers. Meanwhile, budget cuts are beginning to affect programs in the fields of health and education, leaving thousands unemployed. What’s wrong with this picture?

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This article on Reuters.com explains how workers unions—wielding full legislative veto power—are the major obstacles to finding a solution to California's budget crisis. As the article shows, something must be done to limit the influence of these unions if we wish to avoid a total financial meltdown.

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What is the California Legislature doing during this enormous budget crisis? As this article reports, legislators are processing dozens of peripheral bills on topics such as a blueberry commission and educating 9th graders about organ donation. Meanwhile, state officials expect a complete “meltdown of state government” if the budget crisis is not solved.

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