HARRISBURG Legislator make cuts, but not on their cars

One state legislator drives a Mercedes, paid for by taxpayers.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- State legislators faced with budget woes this spring cut funding for libraries, drug rehabilitation and public transportation -- but not the $850,000 budgeted this year for state-funded vehicles for themselves, a newspaper reported.
Pennsylvania and California are the only two states that provide vehicles or lease payments for every state lawmaker.
Of the 253 members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, 108 drive cars from the state fleet, while 53 others lease cars privately at a cost to taxpayers, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday.
Luxury car
One legislator, Sen. Ed Helfrick, R-Northumberland, drives a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 with a $600 monthly fee. Helfrick, who also drives a 2002 Mercedes sedan as his personal vehicle, said his constituents know what kinds of cars he drives, and "I don't think I should drive something less just because I'm a legislator."
"If you want to acquire and retain good legislators, you need to pay a good salary," said Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware. "Cars are just compensation by other means."
The state would save $190,000 if the state required lawmakers to give up their private leases and drive cars from the state fleet, the Inquirer said. Fleet vehicles generally cost about half the amount of a private lease for the same car.
The state House pays up to $650 a month for members to lease cars privately, and the Senate covers up to $600, with lawmakers required to pick up the difference if the cost is higher. Insurance is covered for members of both chambers.
Lawmakers started using the state-run program in late 1993 that allows the Legislature to pay a flat rate for each car bought in volume. The General Assembly leases the cars at a reduced cost.
The number of lawmakers who drive personal cars has increased from 53 in 1993 to 88 today, with some legislators saying they fear harsh media coverage or angering voters.
Rep. Frank Pistella, an Allegheny County Democrat, drives a 2003 Ford Taurus that he selected from the state fleet. The car costs $310.
"From a political standpoint, I viewed it as a potential vulnerability," Pistella said. "I wanted to find the cheapest way. I wanted to use it, not abuse it."
Only one freshman member of the House, Bernard O'Neill, R-Bucks, leases privately. Twelve of the 22 newcomers drive fleet cars.
Gov. Ed Rendell, who has urged state officials to drive "compact sedans" instead of sport utility vehicles, said he would not get involved in the issue.