Can you justify a politicians salary, how much do they make?

Question

Especially if they got no clue, lol.

Answer 1

If I am correct, the starting salary of a newly elected representative (Senate or House) is $165,000/year. Does this seem like a lot compared to the amount of work they do? Depends on your point of view.

Did (and ONLY picking a name out of thin air here) Brett Favre make too much? He played in 16 whole games (Practices aside). Yet he makes millions of dollars.

I am NOT advocating that the politicians that represent us need to make more than they are, but it all depends on what you believe is adequate work for the amount paid.

Answer 2

I can...I think it's important for people to be able to serve regardless of their financial background. Let's say the President was only paid $100. Bush would probably be okay since he has a lot of money from oil and the Rangers. But could I survive off of $100 a year? Could you? Could a lot of people? Probably not.

There is obviously a balance though. Most states pay their legislators between $12K and $40K. This probably works because their jobs are not that busy. Federal officials, however, who work pretty much 24/7, make into the 6-figures.

Answer 3

You'd want politicians who work for free? I mean, would you go to the cheapest doctor? How about a discount dentist? Do you get the cheapest hair cut? How bout using the cheapest birth control????

Already, it costs 10 times what a state rep makes per year to get elected... and the next POTUS election will cost each candidate $500 million. Do you think that such people work for their salary, or for the people who paid to get them elected? Well, the answer is obvious... they work for those making the contributions! It's not exactly bribery, but it's very close.

So, my answer... raise the amount that politicians make, so we'll get better candidates, and so they won't be as beholden to the special interest contributors!!!

Answer 4

Even with a supposedly outrageous salary, the reality is that is difficult for a Congressman or Senator to maintain a household in Washington, DC, and one back in his home state. Ad travel expenses to that and you will soon see that they are not living as wealthy individuals. Of course, we aren't counting the under - the - table payments some collect, but that's individual initiative and varies with each member.

Answer 5

I think they should volunteer their time and take NO pay. The only ones that run for office anyway are people that can raise millions of dollars to campaigne, you can't tell me they will be in the poor house. I like the way they are giving the people a token pay raise to make them look better. You can't even live off of $15 an hour let alone $7.25.

Answer 6

Dick Cheney makes a resounding $ 202,900 dollars a year. President Bush makes around $ 400,000 dollars a year. And by the way, Nancy Pelosi will get the same salary as the VP.

Answer 7

No, their salaries are not justifiable. I believe that their salaries should be at 5% above the average income in America and that their financial records be scrutinized to keep them from accepting lobbyist money.

Answer 8

No, But I guess they can becuse they are not shy about voting them selfs raises. Although I did see where the democrats are trying to push for More days in the office.

Answer 9

i heard they dont really make that much. u know what sucks is who is making probably more than them and its a complete sham. the adminstrators at school districts ( pricnpals, HR, superintendatns) now THATS sickening especially when a lot of schools supposedly cant even afford books.

Answer 10

No, I can't justify their salary or their pension.