SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Two lawmakers and a local community leader responded Wednesday to news that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking at the possibility of temporarily cutting 200,000 state workers' pay to the federal minimum wage of $6.55 per hour.

Here are some of their reactions:

State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass:

"I don't believe the governor would put public servants in the crossfire of this budget battle. But this action would speak to the need for all us -- including the governor -- to negotiate a balanced, responsible budget that protects our schools and the safety net before we run out of cash."

Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter:

"I don't think it is wise for the governor to use working men and women as hostages for the state budget. I think it shows weakness on his part as a negotiator. The men and women who do the hard work that keeps our state running deserve their full pay."

Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson:

"Sacramento's troubled economy can't withstand the blow of thousands of state workers being paid minimum wage. This should be a wake-up call for the state's leaders to reach a compromise and pass a balanced budget that protects our schools and aid to our city."