For those of you who don't yet know, Congress gets an automatic pay raise each year, unless, and get this, they vote NOT to get the raise. This years contribution from American taxpayers amounts to $4,700 per Representative.
Their salary will increase from $169,300 to $174,000. Not a bad increase when you consider the current state of the economy in the country. Unemployment is now averaging close to 7%, and much higher in some areas of the country.
Please tell me why we should reward a Congress who has allowed the economy to collapse on their watch?
As of now, legislation has been introduced to fore-go next year's raise but, shocker, it doesn't have a great deal of support with just 34 co-sponsors. 218 are required for it to get a chance of passage.
I watched some of the hearings when Congress was berating and questioning the auto industry executives. While they don't deserve any sympathy either, the hypocrisy of our Congressional representatives is stunning. Forcing them to sell planes and convincing them to take a $1/year salary, all the while knowing they're in line for a pretty good raise themselves. I guess that's just the way it is in Washington, DC.
Wait! Maybe they're on to something. I think I'm going to vote myself a raise for 2009.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist
©2008 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved
©iStockPhoto - Licensed for Use
Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
SKYPE ME: RichSellsHomes
Rich, I don't know about congress, but I could use the $4700 to be put toward my monthly bills.
Susan, Just vote yourself one. Why stop at just $4,700 though.
And they want the union workers to take less. you have to love them.
Russ, Everybody can get less except them and their friends.
When you own your own business as we do we can give our selves a raise. However, if you work for someone else like congress does and do a poor job, you should not be able to give your self a raise. Bad idea right now - I vote NO.
Rich, hey they are Congress. Would you expect anything different?
Ugh, maybe the people in the states they represent should get some vote?
Principal...Congress..all in the same sentence? We must have caught you in the midst of a fairytale!
Ed/Cindy, Yep...we just have to work harder. I'd be shocked if anyone in Congress actually believed that they work for someone, like the American people.
Gary, With all my gray hair you would think I'd know better by know.
Lauren, Maybe, but somehow that hasn't worked well yet.
Gary, Once upon a time, I was multi-tasking. Eating a piece of my son's birthday cake and blogging.
The salary does not include the many benefits that they receive. Of course, most know that our illustrious officials do not pay into the social security system, nor medicare. Why? Because they have posh healthcare and a huge retirement program. This one I will agree with - the union has nothing on this system.
Richard - I would love to get a pay raise + benefits... that would be very nice indeed. ~Rita
Tim/Pam, Even they consider their health care plan "gold plated." Term limits is our only salvation.
Brian/Rita, Beats working for a living.
Richard, I would vote myself a raise if I were assured the taxpayer would give it to me like the taxpayer (us) gives it to Congress. I think the reason Congress isn't blamed for the economy is because everyone is too busy blaming just one man, GW. Will they please remember he is ONE MAN and the CONGRESS is full of spenders!!
Gail, While I believe that George Bush should take a fair share of the blame for the country's problems, you're right...he's not in that boat alone. The Congress passes laws and the Congress is responsible for spending, not the President.
Richard, I agree with you that GW is not blameless... he has turned a blind eye to the robbery of the American taxpayer. Its an outrage what has happen to our country but we are strong and can and will survive.. but we need to clean sweep the Congress.. ALL OF THEM OUT. after all we have nothing to lose by starting over, if we listen and learn by what has happened and we could gain some respect.
Gail, I am becoming more of a "term limit" supporter. The longer they stay in Washington the more corrupt and power hungry they become. If they truly are interested in serving the American public and not themselves than they should do their one or two terms and leave. Thanks for your service...next.
Richard, agreed! Before moving to Texas I was not aware of how the Legislature works here.. its an example that is interesting. Every other year they meet.. for a few months, then they do what is called.. Get back to the house, go home, and do their business in their own communities. Maybe Congress should take a lesson? Oh wait, GW came from Texas. LOL.
Geeze! I thought they made more money than that! No wonder they have to triple up in basement apartments on Captiol Hill! Maybe they should get real estate licesnses instead.
Oh! And if they vote down their own raises, I think it also means that the lowly federal employees don't get theirs!
Pat, As far as I know it only applies to Congress. Even with their lowly salary the perks are pretty good.