Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Lawmaker Distracted By Facebook Accidentally Votes For State Budget

wilk.jpg
Assemblyman Scott Wilk (via Facebook, which he enjoys spending lots of time on)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.


Facebook is the ultimate workday distraction, as one state lawmaker demonstrated earlier this week.On Monday, assemblyman Scott Wilk, who represents Simi Valley and Santa Clarita, became the first Republican to vote for the state budget in years because, ironically, he was too busy writing about his opposition to the bill on Facebook. He admitted his gaffe on Twitter:

Although it would be nice to think that somebody in the GOP was making an effort to reach across the aisle, according to the AP the Assembly allows lawmakers to change their vote. He later did so, drawing boos from Democrats and cheers from his fellow Republicans.

Wilk wrote that he opposed the budget because it "lacks transparency" and was "bloated." A new budget deal has since been negotiated between Democratic lawmakers and Governor Jerry Brown, including public healthcare coverage for the children of undocumented immigrants.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today