Shouldn't voters have a say on our politicians getting a raise?

Question

For years, our politicians have always voted on their personal raises. My question is, why can't they be like the rest of us and be evaluated by their peers and let them decide, based on their performance, if they should have that raise or not. They were voted in by the people so the people should have a say on this issue also.

Answer 1

The C.O.L.A. (cost of living adjustment) is built in to the federal pay structure, so Senators and Representatives can do nothing and enjoy the pay raise. Sometimes a courageous one will call for a vote on it, but that doesn't stop them.

I would like to see a salary freeze for every elected or appointed official. That way they will have a little incentive to bring inflation to a halt.

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Answer 2

OH, YES.  I think it should be a national referrendum.  They should not be able to vote themselves a raise.  Let WE THE PEOPLE judge how well they are doing their jobs.

Answer 3

just tell me how to start a law that gives americans, as a whole, rights to put just 1 question up each year, that no politician can dispute. The most popular decision wins! Since most politicians are in the top 20% of income, I can't understand why they need ME to pay for their health insurance and retirement? I can't buy it for myself!!!!!

Answer 4

i give you an a+ for the answer.the politicians  by all means should ask the people for a pay raise.not take it upon them selfs to get a pay raise.by the work they are doing right now they should all have the pay raises revoked.the working class in this country are loosing their homes their jobs.and these so called politicians are giving them selfs a raise.they already have way to much already.

Answer 5

Alas, the structure and mechanism is not in place to change the way in which national politicians are given raises.  So changing that process would require THEM doing it - and they seem more happy to just vote themselves raises in late-night sessions.

In many ways this is strange because I'm sure almost every member of Congress is wealthy enough to not care a whole lot about a pay raise.  

I think it would be a good political move for a Representative or Senator to propose legislation that would permanently tie their compensation to some national economic indicator so that it adjusted automatically once a year so as to keep their pay constant, in relation to cost of living.  

I think an even bigger issue though is that members of Congress get all kinds of insane and crazy perks that the rest of us don't.  I think another attractive piece of legislation would be one that allows them to be taxed on those perks!!!