On the scale of concerns with the Legislature, too much transparency would seem to be pretty low down on the list.  Yet in a story that seemed more like a slightly edited press release than actual journalism, Michael Gardner writes down the GOP theory that when it comes to transparency, the cost is around $33.

To make a long story short, some Legislative Democrats have decided to do something of a roadshow around the state to discuss the budget.  This is an undisputed good idea.  Now, the Republicans apparently would like more control in how they are conceived, but, you know, try winning a few more seats before you start whining.  So, instead of actually doing something to further the budget talks, the Republicans decide to attack the costs of the roadshow.  It seems they have found some expenses that they think would make the state furious!

The Legislative Dems spent $16,000 on these budget hearings!!! Can you believe it, that could, oh wait…that’s 16 thousand? Not million? For 12 hearings around the state? That seems like a pretty reasonable tally, all things considered. But, apparently they should have been more thrifty.

That $16,000 in tax dollars was spent on staff airfare, hotels, rental cars and meals as they assisted lawmakers who held sessions on the state’s grim financial situation, including a stop May 8 in San Diego. The bills included four $19.99 bar stools, $500 audiovisual equipment rentals and a $35 cab ride. (San Diego U-T)

Really? This is what the Republicans are going off about? Some $20 bar stools? Frankly, that seems like a bargain. A quick search of Target’s website gives me a cost of $54.99 for the cheapest stool.  $500 in A/V rental is basically the cost of renting a mic and a multi-box.  And a cab ride? Really?  This sentence closes the story:

In another, an employee took a $35 taxi to the airport instead of the $2 bus.

Is this really all we have to fill our newspapers with? Look, I don’t know how to tell Mr. Gardner and his friends in the Republican caucus this, but the employee’s time also holds value.  Him sitting in the bus also costs the state money. We lose his productivity that we could be gaining were he to sit at his desk.

Honestly, if this is where we are headed, fighting over a cab ride to the airport, the tone of the budget talks is way ahead of last year.  I mean, we didn’t get to this petty stuff for at least another month in 2009. Well, actually, I’m not sure if we even got this bad last year.

In the end, while I understand the desire to reduce expenses, there is being economically prudent, and then there’s just being cheap. And this one is clearly on the counterproductive side.