Takasugi Rejects $19,500 Pay Raise
Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard) has decided to refuse a $19,500 pay increase that an independent commission granted for state legislators earlier this month.
Takasugi had said he would take the raise, but an aide said he had not known at the time that the lawmaker could refuse the 37% increase.
“He did have inaccurate information,” aide Julia King said. “But he found out since then that he could refuse it.”
King said the assemblyman sent a letter to state Controller Gray Davis asking that the extra money be spent on public safety.
The California Citizens Compensation Commission established the pay raise, which begins in December. Legislators’ salaries will increase from $52,500 to $72,000 a year.
State Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley), who is running for lieutenant governor, is still undecided about accepting the raise.
Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland (R-Granada Hills) has said she will accept the raise, while an aide to Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) said he is still undecided.
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