Entrenched interests and career politicians have contributed to the problems that plague our government instead of promoting the general welfare of our citizens. It is time that we return legislators to their rightful place.
In order to accomplish this, I am a supporter of the recently-introduced Citizen Legislature Initiative – a bold proposal to change how business is done in Sacramento. The bill, supported by Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and Ted Costa of People’s Advocate, calls for the legislature to meet only 90 days per year, a two-year budgeting process, and a reduction in legislators’ salaries.
A part-time legislature will ensure important benefits. It will lessen the pernicious and pervasive influence of special interests on our government. The bill will reduce the large number of unnecessary bills that are introduced each year by idle legislators seeking to justify their existence. And, most importantly, the bill will lead to a more stable two-year budget, placing California on a firmer financial footing moving forward. Forty-four other states manage very well with part-time legislatures; it is past-time for California to adopt this sensible approach. http://citizenlegislaturenow.com/