The Legislature meets today in a "joint convention," where Treasurer Bill Lockyer will tell lawmakers that unless a budget is adopted the state will stop financing construction projects for roads and other infrastructure.
But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger promptly pushed for the pay cuts - and announced three new appointments to the board in hopes of making them happen.
Early today, the California Citizens Compensation Commission voted 3-1 to enact the pay cut for members of members of the Legislature and state constitutional officers.
The motion failed because it required four votes. The seven-member commission had three vacancies yet to be filled by the governor.
On Wednesday afternoon, the governor filled the vacant seats with two Republicans, Los Angeles Sheriff's Sgt. John Stites and Los Angeles executive search firm partner Scott Somers, and one Democrat, Denita Willoughby, a vice-president of external affairs for AT&T.
He said the new members "share my belief that state government needs to cut back just like every California family and business is doing."
Under the state constitution, lawmakers' pay can be raised - but not cut - in the middle of their terms. If passed by the board, the pay cuts would have gone into effect in December 2010, when 80 Assembly members and 20 state Senators start new terms.
To enact the pay cuts, the board needs to vote before July 1. Board rules require a 10-day public notice before each meeting.
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