Unemployment Extension: Ariz. Rep Introduces Pay Cuts In H.R. 4720
By Victor Hatley on September 3, 2010, 4:08 pmHistorically speaking, the leaders of this nation haven’t had to accept a cut in pay since 1933, during the Great Depression. Quite the contrary in fact, almost every call for increases in the congressional paycheck has managed to make it through. But if you think about that, you would give yourself a raise if you had the chance…wouldn’t you.
Introducing – H.B. 4720
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Az.) introduced a bill that would effectively reduce every Congressional leaders pay by 5%. She believes that it’s time to tighten the old budget belt. Referring to the ire of other leaders, she said “So, I’m not very popular with my colleagues. But the American people get it. They think this is a great idea.” As a matter of fact, I have seen literally hundreds of calls for 50% cuts in the comments left on this, and other blogs, I think it’s almost genius.
What Our Leaders Get Now
Many of our leaders came into office with some kind of wealth already established, but the compensation received for their public service is not “chump change.” Presently, a member can expect to receive $174,000 annually, but leaders, such as majority leaders, will receive a higher compensation rate. The compensation package also include many perks, some of which are lifelong, like the Presidential offices. Truthfully, many of these perks should be considered for reduction or elimination also.
Popular Bill – It Better Be
Even though she isn’t so popular with her workmates, the American public can be expected to love this…probably to a person. Ms. Kirkpatrick stated “Absolutely. Everywhere I go people think this a great idea… So many people are out of work, so many people have taken a 100 percent pay cut because they don’t have a job.” So far she has managed to get 21 other lawmakers on board with her. If this is her way to gain political clout to get re-elected…you go girl! We’ll have some suggestions on other cuts if you want them.
Related posts:
- Unemployment Benefits Extension Up For Vote But Jobs Are The Big Need
- Bush Tax Cuts: The Wealthy Don’t Want Or Need Them, They Said So
- Insurance: AIG Execs Balk At Pay Czar Feinberg’s Salary Cuts
- Jobless Benefits Trade Offs For Bush Tax Cuts: Here’s The Deal
- Unemployment Extension:Legitimate Concerns Causing Severe Frustration
Although most in Congress really don’t need the salaries they receive, the idea is terrific. It should also be supported by the congress as they have rejected additional help for the unemployed (Tier V) and have made it extremely difficult for those receiving benefits, with their constant “NO” votes. forgetting that they have aided the Financial institutions,Insurance companies as well as the auto industry. Forgetting the people in this country who need the help. they treat foreign government better that their own population. They should make more of a contribution that 5%…