Should congress and senate pays raises be an issue for the ballot or should they themselves be able to vote their own pay raise like they have been? Why or why not?
2006-12-08 13:33:17 · 12 answers · asked by wondermom 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
I agree with warren that the voters of the nation are not allowed, under current circumstances, to vote on any federal legislation, and that includes the salaries of Congressmen. And it would indeed require a constituitonal amendment in order to authorize that. But warren has missed one point. Constitutional amendments can be proposed by a convention called for by 2/3s of the states. Amendments do not have to be proposed by Congress itself.
2006-12-08 14:26:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congress used to vote itself pay raises in secret night sessions with unrecorded "voice votes." But they got tired of that and just gave themselves automatic periodic pay raises with no effort required (need to make a law to STOP them, but do nothing to have them). There have been a great many such
pay raises for congress since the last time they raised the minimum raise.
There is no federal ballot initiative and there is no way for the general public to have a direct input into this unless constitutional amendment. But I'd bet money any such constitutional amendment will not be proposed - and if
proposed will not be passed by 2/3 of congress. Ever.
Oh wait. I already am betting money.
2006-12-08 22:10:49 · answer #2 · answered by warren_d_smith31 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Congress should not be voting for their own pay raise. I know they do this and I think it sucks. They wont raise the minimum wage, but they'll give themselves a pay raise. That isn't fair. Why should they get a raise if they're not going to give millions of hard workers a raise?
2006-12-08 21:43:18 · answer #3 · answered by Gemini Girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Excellent question! Yes , it should be an issue for the ballot. Me and my husband work 2 jobs, pay through the wazoo for health insurance and these politicians vote themselves raises and live in luxury at the expense of my taxes!
2006-12-08 21:38:47 · answer #4 · answered by alessa_sunderland 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At EVERY level of government the pay raises should be voted on by the people, that would make politicians more accountable, and that raise should reflect performance, no budget on time, no paycheck, unfinished business in Washington, same work hours and calendar as everyone else in this country. WE have to buy our own vehicles and vehicle/medical insurance, so should THEY.
2006-12-08 21:45:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were a billionaire, and owned a luxurious 90-room mansion overlooking the ocean, would you give the best rooms in the house - with the best accouterments and views - to your domestic staff?
Probably not. Although you would certainly provide comfortable, modest accommodations for your live-in butlers, chauffeurs, chefs, maids, and nannies, you would probably keep the best rooms in the house for you and your own family.
Why, then, do we American taxpayers provide our 'servants' with lavish salaries, outstanding benefits for life, and all the 'perks' of power and privilege - especially when they don't even do their jobs??
Public servants, elected officials, and government bureaucrats shouldn't be paid any more than the lowest 'grunt' soldier sacrificing his life in Iraq. And, once they're out of office, they should be expected to go back to some 'real work' and fend for themselves for the rest of their lives. These sleazy leeches need to stop sucking off the taxpayers' teat. -RKO-
2006-12-08 23:19:55 · answer #6 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it should be an issue for the ballot. They get to vote on minimum wage so let us vote for their payraise. They should have to earn it for a change and not just get it because they voted for it.
2006-12-08 21:42:00 · answer #7 · answered by Michelle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lets see.... My Wages are an issue of ballot. Maybe they will vote my wages up if their wages are in my hands. Interesting solution, TY for calling attention to this abuse of power.
2006-12-08 21:48:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they should not ever get raises, they have to pay for nothing. their cars goverment pays for aka, the tax payers. their meals are either comped or used as a dedution and gas, they deduct... they dectuct everything from their taxes tey need no raises
2006-12-09 02:19:57 · answer #9 · answered by Dink 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People should decide. Then maybe the politicians would really work for a change.
2006-12-08 21:41:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋