WHAT 1F WILL DO:
Prohibits pay raises for elected officials when California faces a budget deficit.
WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE YES:
Every bit counts when it comes to balancing the budget and keeping legislators accountable.
This one’s a no-brainer: Vote yes on Proposition 1F to block pay raises for elected officials during years when the state runs a deficit.
Unfortunately, as is the case with much of this package, voters are left supporting the measure not because it’s effective, but because it’s clear we’ve got to do something and there are no other options on the table. At first glance Proposition 1F appears to be a stern reality check for our elected officials, reminding them of their tremendous responsibility to balance the state’s budget, while simultaneously curtailing salary costs in deficit years. Upon closer inspection, 1F is more symbolic than substantive ‘mdash; this year the change would save a mere $420,000, and there are few weaker threats than, ‘Do your job or that six-figure salary won’t be raised next year!’
It’s true that every little bit counts (and this is surely the littlest) but it’d be nice to see an incentive with some teeth, like the proposal to dock legislators’ pay for every day after the legal deadline that passes without a budget. This time it’s all gums in the name of compromise.