Profiles in Legislative Courage: A Day Without Democrats

Kerry Howley | April 28, 2006

Apparently, the planned work stoppage on May 1 is not just for, you know, workers; Democrats in the California State Assembly are planning a pro-immigrant no-show as well. Somehow, I don't think the absence of the Dems will leave Republicans wondering how they will ever go it alone. But this is a special kind of work stoppage. It's the kind where you still get paid:

...The Democrat leaders of the California State Assembly.... declared Monday a "check-in" day so as not to forfeit their $459 tax-free per diem for the weekend and Monday. A true legislative walkout would have led to lawmakers losing per diem pay for Saturday and Sunday, as well as Monday since spending more than three consecutive days away from the Capitol triggers a halt in the highly-prized extra pay.