Posted by
TexasTom on Monday, July 06, 2009 4:55:03 PM
The probability that we could pull this off is close to zero, but it
would be a huge step toward the American People taking control of a
run-a-way legislature. If we could tie their salaries to a median
middle class rate and they would only receive a cost of living raise or
cut when that median changes, both up and down. That just might make
those jerks think when they pass taxes or crap and trade legislation.
Also, all government workers, legislators too should be subject to all
of the taxes and fees all of us are subject to. Like Social Security,
Medicare/Medicaid, State income tax and on and on. We have created an
elite class and now we are paying for it.
Here's a little stats on what we pay these jerks. This doesn't include the moneys paid to support their offices;
* The current salary (2009) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year.
* During the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin considered
proposing that elected government officials not be paid for their
service. Other Founding Fathers, however, decided otherwise.
* From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem
(daily payment) of $6.00 while in session, except for a period from
December 1815 to March 1817, when they received $1,500 a year. Members
began receiving an annual salary in 1855, when they were paid $3,000
per year.
* Congress: Leadership Members' Salary (2009)
Leaders of the House and Senate are paid a higher salary than rank-and-file members.
* Senate Leadership
Majority Party Leader - $193,400
Minority Party Leader - $193,400
* House Leadership
Speaker of the House - $223,500
Majority Leader - $193,400
Minority Leader - $193,400
Oh yeah, they just got a cost of living increase in January of
$4,900/year. That's 2.9% increase for the rank and file. I wonder how
many have refused or returned that increase now that we are near 10%
unemployment?
Next initiative should be term limits.