California State Grange resolute on ‘No Budget, No Pay’ initiative

Following more than 100 days of squabbling, California legislators finally adopted a budget package to close a $42 billion deficit. However, the California State Grange is more resolute than ever to put a "NoBudget-NoPay" initiative before the voters that would require legislators to approve a state budget on time or suffer personal consequences.

"The behavior of our elected public officials and their blatant disregard for the people of California is simply unconscionable," stated California Grange President Randall Lewis.

"Our Legislators need to pay attention to the main reasons they have been elected to office. First are the fiscal matters of the state, followed by the health and safety of all Californian's and then the education of our youth."

The "NoBudget-NoPay" initiative would halt "salary, benefits and living expenses" for California legislators and the governor for every day after June 30, until they approve a budget. The state constitution mandates that legislators approve a budget by June 15.

Nearly one million signatures must be collected to get the initiative before California voters. The State Grange is asking for donations to support the effort. When all is said and done, the process could cost as much as $3 million. The next step in the process will be to retain a constitutional attorney to review the initiative draft.

At the annual California State Grange convention held in October, delegates voted unanimously to pursue the "NoBudget-NoPay" initiative. A recent survey conducted by SurveyUSA found that nearly 70 percent of the people of California would support the initiative.

"The Grange is the oldest agricultural organization in California," explained Legislative Director Mike Greene.

"We have more than 10,000 members in 185 communities across the state. Our members are angry that 27 of the last 32 state budgets have not been passed on time. And you don't want to have a bunch of angry Grangers," he cautioned.

The State Grange invites all citizens of California to join in this effort. For more information on the Grange's "NoBudget-NoPay" initiative phone (916) 454-5805 or visit the web site at www.NoBudget-NoPay.org.