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Politics

Calif. State Employee Pay Cap Falls One Vote Shy

A bill that would prevent most state employees from earning more than the governor has stalled in the California legislature.

Despite support from one Democratic lawmaker, Republican Senator Joel Anderson’s measure fell a single vote shy in its second committee test.

Anderson says more than 9,000 state workers were paid more than Governor Jerry Brown’s $173,000 salary last year and given the state’s budget problems, that’s not right. “As long as we continue to give lav – when I say we, I mean, not me, but my colleagues, and the governor – continue to give lavish salaries to bureaucrats, I don’t know how I could ever possibly face any Californian and say that they aren’t doing their fair share with taxes," said Anderson.

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Anderson says his bill would exempt public safety employees because they’re required to work overtime. The measure also would not apply to the University of California, because the UC system’s self-governance is constitutionally protected.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.