Lawmaker’s bid to restore pay for Legislature hits hurdle

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Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) suffered a setback Monday in his campaign to restore legislators’ salaries and benefits that were slashed by 18% in 2009.

The staff of the state Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board recommended Monday that the board reject Cedillo’s claim to restore the annual pay level to $116,200 and reimburse millions in back salary to lawmakers.

The board is scheduled to meet Jan. 20 to act on the staff recommendation.

Cedillo has threatened to file a lawsuit on the issue, challenging whether the state’s Citizens Compensation Commission, which was approved by the voters, had the right to cut salaries for sitting lawmakers.

His attorney said the legislator would wait for the final vote of the claims board before deciding whether to file suit.

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