Posted by
Playful Walrus on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:02:09 PM
Angry California legislators are taking to the streets today to protest the passage of Proposition 1F, which bans legislator pay raises during budget deficits. A large group is forming outside of a local Mormon church.
"I don’t understand how we can subject civil rights to a popular vote," said Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D) of District 47. 'Our rights have been taken away!"
The measure passed easily, despite millions of dollars provided by teacher unions to fight against it.
Some protestors said that they will urge boycotts of any businesses where any of the employees or owners contributed to the "Yes on 1F" campaign. Supporters of Prop 1F are already reporting harassing phone calls and e-mails. Protestors are loudly chanting outside of Rick Warren's Saddleback Church.
But lawmakers have little sympathy for those complaining that they are being punished for their support of the bans. "Work is work," said State Senator Darrell Steinberg (D), of District 6. "This just hurts our families. I don't support violence, but yes, they should be made to feel uncomfortable."
Some protestors held up signs that said "Shall we vote on your pay raises now?" and "Nobody takes my rights away!" and "They used to not pay African Americans, too!"
"I've had several friends get pay raises over the last couple of years, and yet I am denied that same right," said Bass.
Lameduh Legal, a legislator rights organization, is appealing to the California Supreme Court. Parents and Friends of Legislators And Government workers (PFLAG) plans on running television spots, in conjunction with Equalpay California, featuring parents of legislators who "just want our children to have the same opportunities to get pay raises we had."
"Pay raises for legislators during deficits are inevitable," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, handing out checks to state lawmakers on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. "It's gonna happen, whether ya like it or not!”