The Hill reports that despite a “crumbling economy,” members of Congress “will get a $4,700 pay increase” in 2009. In the grand scheme of things, this may not amount to much – “an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries” – but nonetheless it certainly will not go over well with struggling Americans who are already disgusted with Congress and are barely able to make ends meet. The author then notes:
Rep. Harry Mitchell, a first-term Democrat from Arizona, sponsored legislation earlier this year that would have prevented the automatic pay adjustments from kicking in for members next year. But the bill, which attracted 34 cosponsors, failed to make it out of committee.
Republicans would be wise to take advantage of this situation. Refuse the pay raise. Publicly denounce it. Since I assume it isn’t possible to outright say “no,” donate the money to a local charity that will benefit your constituents.
We will feature any member of Congress on the front page of NextGenGOP – Republican or Democrat – who is willing to step up and do this.
Last 5 posts by Aaron Marks
- Onward and Upward: Building a Sustainable Majority - January 22nd, 2010
- Dear Young Voters: This Is What You Get When You Don't Vote - December 1st, 2009
- The Youth Vote and the 2009 Elections - November 6th, 2009
- The Best of the Post-2009 Election Spin - November 5th, 2009
- Introducing NextGenGOP Executive Director James Kane - October 20th, 2009
