Republicans in the California Senate are drafting legislation targeting state worker compensation that exceeds pay levels for public employees elsewhere in virtually all wage categories and job descriptions.

Payroll data compiled by Bloomberg on 1.4 million public workers in the 12 most populous states show how managers and employees throughout California government ignore limits on accrual of paid vacation and other leave, leading to lump severance payouts of as much as $609,000 to one state employee last year. The state’s obligation for accumulated time off grew to $3.9 billion last year from $1.4 billion in 2003.

“The Bloomberg series highlighted some shocking abuses and problems in California,” said state Senator Ted Gaines, a Republican from Rocklin who serves on the Public Employment and Retirement Committee. “I am working on legislation for this session that attacks these issues, protects taxpayers and restores some sanity to our state.”

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