It is good to be King – or perhaps in Congress. Amidst the unprecedented economic downturn Congress received a raise this month. Our nation lost over a Million jobs in the fourth quarter of 2008 alone but Congressional Representatives will enjoy a $4,700 raise.
Congressional Representatives make $174,000 a year (about $87 per hour) and the increase is an automatic cost-of-living raise. In their defense this was created several years ago and the percentage increase is below normal.
But is this the right time?
Hey, I am not in politics (for good reason) but if it was me I might think this would be a good time to forgo the raise and show some sort of “we are all in this together” mentality. But, like I said, I am not in politics and thus far, Congress has been surprisingly silent on the subject.
I think the whole thing really further my opioin that politicians, in general, are no longer in touch with the people they represent. How are they not in touch with the average American?
Income – For the most part you have to be a millionaire to even run for a Washington office. Once there they get salaries way above the norm. They are not looking for coupons or sales.
Health Care – Their health care is covered. Millions of Americans with no health care or inadequate care would love to know what that is like.
Retirement – Politicians have Pension plans (that actually get paid). Up to 80% of their final salary. Most Americans don’t have a clue where the money will come from when they retire.
Fine, I suppose this is where you look for some witty insights to my mind. A "bio" of sorts. Here is the deal... I ride motorcycles, smoke cigars, golf, kayak, fly, race my car through the mountains, write (a lot), and travel extensively. I am almost old enough not to care what other people think about me...almost. ~Godfadr
Why am I not surprised?
I don’t know about you, but I am proud to pay for my senator’s luxurious lifestyle. In exchange, maybe they will make decisions that will benefit my family and I……NOT!!!!!
I heard it reported during the holidays that many companies did not have their usual holiday parties because of the economy and that many were considering withholding raises for the same reason. I know my company will not be giving us bonuses this year (not that they were the greatest but every little helps) and I’m curious to see if they will also ask us to forego our raises.
I love that you have to be a millionaire to even run for a political office, then still get a salary that is more than double the salary of the UPPER middle class (almost 3 times higher than the lower middle class), and STILL get a cost of living raise. Gee, how sad the percentage is lower than what I might get……………….but then they aren’t suffering any belt tightening because of it either.
The cost of living this past year has got to have gone up by a good 10%……most people are lucky to get a 2 or 3% (the average) increase in pay, and this year will probably be asked to take a lot less IF they are even given a raise at all.
WE THE PEOPLE pay for their healthcare when we can barely afford our own employer provided coverage. And all those poor people with NO coverage are also paying for their healthcare.
Their pensions should be the same as everyone elses.
Is Congress out of touch? Damned right they are, they were from the start given they were already financially secure to begin with. They have no worries as all is guaranteed to them. That’s more than we can say for ourselves. So it’s quite obvious they haven’t got a clue what most of us go through; they haven’t got a clue what a struggle it will be for most of us to carry the weight of all they are going to ask of us.
Godfather Added: Great Points Lynda!