It is truly a shame how these elected officials not only provide themselves with benefits on the backs of the taxpayers but add cover to do so (hey - lets give the judges a raise too - that will squash any attempt to question the gimme through legal channels - because the judges won't want to give their raises back!). At the time a very smart move on the part of one legislator. And then we had the most generous legislator of the bunch who offered to send us his new water heater that he installed with his raise! I should have said - sure I'll take it! My water heater died 2 weeks after that kind gentleman's offer. Missed opportunity on my part. The reality is these guys have learned over the years; tipping your toe in the water to test the outcome. If nothing happens and you get away with it - lets go for a little more next time. If I remember correctly not long after the voting public was a bit tinged at the judges getting their raises as well, they sent a few judges packing during the next election. They never saw that coming! I believe in the power of the vote moreso at the state level than any place else. A good shake up in both chambers is needed now and then to send a message. Unfortunately the smarter we get - the smarter they get. That should not preclude any of us from getting out to vote and sending them a message - we, the public, don't like this. And we'll show you we mean business.
It is truly a shame how these elected officials not only provide themselves with benefits on the backs of the taxpayers but add cover to do so (hey - lets give the judges a raise too - that will squash any attempt to question the gimme through legal channels - because the judges won't want to give their raises back!). At the time a very smart move on the part of one legislator. And then we had the most generous legislator of the bunch who offered to send us his new water heater that he installed with his raise! I should have said - sure I'll take it! My water heater died 2 weeks after that kind gentleman's offer. Missed opportunity on my part. The reality is these guys have learned over the years; tipping your toe in the water to test the outcome. If nothing happens and you get away with it - lets go for a little more next time. If I remember correctly not long after the voting public was a bit tinged at the judges getting their raises as well, they sent a few judges packing during the next election. They never saw that coming! I believe in the power of the vote moreso at the state level than any place else. A good shake up in both chambers is needed now and then to send a message. Unfortunately the smarter we get - the smarter they get. That should not preclude any of us from getting out to vote and sending them a message - we, the public, don't like this. And we'll show you we mean business.
Gee why isn't the social security cola tied to pay raises of the people who are suppose to serve us ?
An excellent idea!
Public school teacher.
I haven’t had a dime increase since 1988.
Wow. I didn't realize it had been that long. It's almost like they're going for a record in the Hall of Shame.