California lawmakers lose their state paid for cars....

[Lithium381]

I think this isn't a step in the right direction. It's an about-face towards the direction we need to go . . . This is only lawmakers mentioned in the article . . . you know the police and fire-departments, as well as caltrans and others get full use of taxpayer funded gas/cars

 

[rudeguy]

I think this isn't a step in the right direction. It's an about-face towards the direction we need to go . . . This is only lawmakers mentioned in the article . . . you know the police and fire-departments, as well as caltrans and others get full use of taxpayer funded gas/cars

can't tell if serious.....

 

[Linflas]

can't tell if serious.....

He could be talking about off duty use of department vehicles by police and firemen.

 

[rudeguy]

He could be talking about off duty use of department vehicles by police and firemen.

lol! That makes a hell of a lot more sense. I was trying to figure out how firemen were supposed to put out fires without their trucks. Sorry...its been a long day.

That kind of thing isn't that big of a deal to me but that's because the only ones who do take their vehicles home around here are the chiefs or higher ups that could be called in at any time. I think I remember some big thing a few years back where it was actually made illegal to use government cars while not on duty....but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[Wreckem]

Well, they aren't personal cars. They are office cars used for official office business. Typically 1 in DC and a second in their district. They are leased, typically on 3 year leases, and the cost comes out of their office budget.

They don't have drivers. Congressional staff, usually whoever is accompanying the Congressman on his official business is the one doing the driving.

Congressmen(atleast Reps) in larger districts are the ones that have the most expensive cars because they typically required to get a hyrbrid do to regulations Democrats placed into the House rules.

 

[Wreckem]

I think this isn't a step in the right direction. It's an about-face towards the direction we need to go . . . This is only lawmakers mentioned in the article . . . you know the police and fire-departments, as well as caltrans and others get full use of taxpayer funded gas/cars

Depends on the Department. Most departments require policemen to pay for gas, miles, and maintainence.

 

[Throckmorton]

Depends on the Department. Most departments require policemen to pay for gas, miles, and maintainence.

What??

 

[Orsorum]

Let them drive Cash For Clunkers trade-ins.

I like it.

 

[WackyDan]

Also in the private sector they don't usualy hand a car over to you as well.

Depends...Some scenarios I've personally had or have had peers who have had.

- Mileage only - Most common

- Car allowance - 2nd most common. You get "X" amount of $$ per month and that is supposed to offset your car payment/maintenance. It is up to you how you leverage it. Some go out and buy a more expensive car and end up putting 100k a year on it. Smart people buy a honda civic for the MPG and while they don't profit, their out of pocket costs for personal transportation is lower.

- Co-pay. This one is growing in popularity with companies that would traditionally issue a company own car. A new car is provided every two years. The employee gets to pick between 2 or 3 models. The employee has "X" amount of $ taken out of his check to account for "personal use". I had a neighbor that worked for a large food company... For his $160 per month, he got was essentially was a company vehicle, insured by the company, with gas paid for by the company. Due to his $160 per month contribution he was allowed to drive the car on personal business without too much fear of being in an accident. That is a pretty good deal. $160 per month, insured.

- Company issued car... This one started going the way of the dinosaur about ten years ago. Too many restrictions on employee as to personal vs business use, and that use can't readily be restricted anyway... hence companies going to the model of company vehicle above.

For the CA lawmakers to get a monthly allowance PLUS mileage is strictly smoke and mirrors.

 

[Slew Foot]

My corporation fully covers the lease, gas, and maintenance on my car. THen I again it is my corporation so it comes out of my pocket anyway.

 

[dmcowen674]

California lawmakers lose their state paid for cars....

Hopefully the federal government follows suit. We pay these guys plenty of money, why should we be paying for them to have $60,000 cars on top of that?

Don't get all giddy, I'm sure this will cost taxpayers even more money.