Nearly every politico in the last 20 years has promised it...and nearly every one has delivered more of the same. It is time for us to start pushing our government to truly change. To start demanding checks and balances to offset some of the corruption that happens. It is time, that We The People wake up and realize WE ARE STRONG. We are the heart of this democracy and We Can Make A Difference.
Currently, we pay an average of $93M per year to our legislative government. Additionally, they have a yearly cost of living increase (unless they specifically vote it down) and can also vote for a raise which becomes optional to take. They have yet to vote for a decrease in pay. How many of us have had a standard cost of living increase in the last 5 years? How many of us have seen a distinctive raise? Yet, our government is overbudget and our national economy is in tatters still. I do not think it outragious to request a 15% reduction in salary and a freeze on any increases until such time as we are NOT in a deficit. This would drop legislative salaries to $79M per year. A savings of $14M to start.
In addition, we pay benefits for life for anyone elected to congress. This averages nearly $40k per person and this benefit is received for even a single term of service. But why are our leaders not using the benefits they design for us? Why are they not required to pay social security and to benefit from it as we do? Why do they get special medical when auto workers, promised full pensions for 30 years see their benefits cut IN RETIREMENT by our government. End this program as well and we save another $25M per year.
So, we can initiate $39M per year in savings, but showing the government what most of us are going through. In addition, we push for the government to focus on being fiscally responsible and to remember, they are accountable to us.
We Are The People!
