Many state leaders drive gas-guzzlers

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jan 20, 2008 | by John Simerman

"A gun was stuck in his face," said spokeswoman Alicia Trost said. "He wanted to drive a car that looked like a cop drove. That's all he was thinking of."

Staff writers Lisa White and Betsy Mason contributed to this story. Reach John Simerman at 925-943-8072 or e-mail jsimerman@bayareanewsgroup.com.

Vehicle rules: Assembly and Senate lawmakers must choose American cars unless they pick a hybrid. The Legislature buys them. Lawmakers use state credit cards for gas.

In the Assembly: The state pays up to $400 of the monthly cost, depending on the length of the lease. Lawmakers pay 10 percent of the cost, plus anything above the cap. Vehicle cost is limited to $44,000 for a hybrid and $37,500 for gas-only vehicles, and hybrid takers get a $6,000 lease incentive.

In the Senate: The state pays up to $500 of the monthly cost, depending on the length of the lease. Lawmakers pay 10 percent of the cost, plus anything above the cap. The Senate gives no breaks for hybrids and has no firm cap on what a vehicle can cost. "We don't have that steadfast rule. We just encourage them not to go crazy," said Glenda Smith, director of Senate Rules accounting.