Amid budget crisis, California legislators still wined and dined on lobbyists' dime

The Sacramento Bee reports:

It was Valentine's Day eve 2009, and the state faced a $40 billion deficit and a deadline.

The governor and legislative leaders had just agreed on a package of sobering tax increases and spending cuts that would affect nearly every Californian. But the package awaited review by the full Legislature.

Conservatives were decrying the tax increases, Democrats were trying to stand firm, and national newspapers were opining on whether California would go bankrupt.

That same night, AT&T spent $1,800 to send 18 legislators, legislative staffers and their children to "Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour" at Arco Arena.

Some people enjoy big , activist government.