Bad time for congressional pay raises
Lawmakers get an automatic pay raise every January, and this year is no different -- but many question whether, for obvious reasons, it should be. Danielle Karson reports it's up to constituents to voice concerns.
Capitol Hill at sunrise (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
More on Jobs, Fed. Budget/Govt. Spending
TEXT OF STORY
Scott Jagow: Congress has yet to sign off on most appropriations bills to fund federal agencies, and that includes the funding bill that gives lawmakers raises. Even though it hasn't passed yet, the pay hikes kick in automatically next month. Danielle Karson reports.
Danielle Karson: Every January, like clockwork, lawmakers get their automatic pay raises. Next month, their incomes will go up 2.8 percent, to $174,000.
For Steve Ellis with Taxpayers for Common Sense, there's something wrong with this picture.
Steve Ellis: If you look across the country, you have Americans who are losing their jobs, aren't getting any holiday bonuses; and then you have Congress getting a pay raise. It really flies in the face of shared sacrifice.
Many members campaigned this year to eliminate automatic pay raises. It may have made for good politics. But Utah Democrat Jim Matheson has been the lone voice in the House protesting the pay hikes, and is giving the extra cash to charitable groups.
Jim Matheson: There's no question that our current circumstances really call into question if this is the time for Congress to be raising its own pay. I use that term loosely, 'cause Congress didn't really do anything to raise its own pay -- it just kinda happens.
Taxpayer advocate Steve Ellis says it's up to constituents to let their representatives know the automatic raises are not OK -- especially now.
In Washington, I'm Danielle Karson for Marketplace.
Comments
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From Potter, WI, 11/01/2009
They work on average 2 days a week and get a raise, boy am I in the wrong profession. Where is there conscience?
From OH, 12/29/2008
So many people are losing homes, jobs, and retirement funds. Businesses are struggling to stay afloat, charities are struggling to help people. It seems to me that our lawmakers would see that taking a pay raise right now is a slap in the face of every American citizen. Why not donate the funds to charites? I will certainly be watching our representatives to see what they do.
From Gladstone, MO, 12/19/2008
Lead by example, Congressmen! At this time it is unconscionable for your to accept such a pay raise! Your approval ratings are already down in the teens ... this will seal your fate in the eyes of the American public if you don't reject this automatic raise!
12/16/2008
I don't get an automatic pay raise every January, so why should they? Take away this frivolity, and maybe the right people will be lured to such positions because they like what they do rather than by this perk.
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