Obama Orders Pay Raise For Congress, Federal Workers, Joe Biden

[chance1]

Talk about out of touch

At the same time that fiscal cliff "negotiations" are taking place and showcasing the ineptness of the senate/house ........

President Obama is giving them a raise

You can't make this shit up - really you can't

I think no raise would be too much - a pay cut would've been appropriate

But no raise would've sufficed

Instead, they got MO money

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...ef=mostpopular

[andysayshi]

It does seem to be really, really bad timing.

[Kyanimal]

Yep ... a Whopping .5 to 1%!

Of course, that's after a 3yr. freeze. And, still, NONE of them will be above the 250K "tax increase" threshold.

Now compare all that to the Wall Street Bankers, the corporate CEOs, etc., etc. How pathetic is it that our VP makes LESS than some Small Business owners?

It's all a matter of perspective ...

[chance1]

Yep ... a Whopping .5 to 1%!

Of course, that's after a 3yr. freeze. And, still, NONE of them will be above the 250K "tax increase" threshold.

Now compare all that to the Wall Street Bankers, the corporate CEOs, etc., etc. How pathetic is it that our VP makes LESS than some Small Business owners?

It's all a matter of perspective ...

You're kidding right ?

For many of these folks it's "tip money"

Nancy Pelosi is worth $100M
John Boehner is worth $4M - surprised it was that low actually
Harry Reid $7M
Mitch McConnell $27M

really neat article/chart on ALL of them

sorry Ky - they should've gotten an income adjustment - DOWNWARD

but a RAISE ??? WHAT THE FUCK

ever been to Major Goalsby ?


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...h-risk-matrix/

[Kyanimal]

Oh, you're right about it being "tip money". But, it's still their official salaries.

And, since it is just "tip money", why the Outrage?

[JayHawk]

The outrage is because a democrat did it... ostensibly... however ALL money originates in the house and they voted for the increase Obama simply lifted the executive freeze on such raises. Rather curious timing as the very republican block of folks who are resistant to actually governing is negotiating different terms for them to play like adults.

Still I cant bitch... and for full disclosure it is a vote for my pay raise as well...

[chance1]

The outrage is because a democrat did it... ostensibly... however ALL money originates in the house and they voted for the increase Obama simply lifted the executive freeze on such raises. Rather curious timing as the very republican block of folks who are resistant to actually governing is negotiating different terms for them to play like adults.

Still I cant bitch... and for full disclosure it is a vote for my pay raise as well...

dude stop projecting your anti republicanism onto me - unlike u who sees things thru a political prism 24/7

i don't

these shit for brains DO NOT deserve a raise = not .01 not $1 not $5K

they haven't done a good job

and your point about repubs voting for themselves is even more reason for the ultimate authority to say "no way"

[JayHawk]

Yeah but he is raising my paycheck too... so not really a political prism...lol

Trust me if I could give everyone who works for me a raise with a declaration..... I would.


And don't claim your not whining because it is a democrat, I have watched you for six years. You would be defending Bush like his dick was in your ass nightly.

if for the only reason that everyone else was blaming Bush. You just like to argue. Me too!

[JB3]

Yep ... a Whopping .5 to 1%!

Of course, that's after a 3yr. freeze. And, still, NONE of them will be above the 250K "tax increase" threshold.

Now compare all that to the Wall Street Bankers, the corporate CEOs, etc., etc. How pathetic is it that our VP makes LESS than some Small Business owners?

It's all a matter of perspective ...

Not pathetic at all. The vice president makes $230,000 a year. He pays nothing for his house, nothing for his vehicles, and nothing for his security staff. He, ostensibly, does less work than most of the people you criticized and gets paid more for it.

Don't try and turn this into a class warfare conversation, because it has nothing to do with it. None of them deserved a pay raise. Most people would argue they deserve to have their pay docked.

[JayHawk]

Don't try and turn this into a class warfare conversation, because it has nothing to do with it. None of them deserved a pay raise. Most people would argue they deserve to have their pay docked.

While it is fun to banter with Chance and it does affect my paycheck I will add that I think I should be paying more taxes and not get a raise... but hey what the hell. I agree they should be docked. Or at least not paid. I like the California budget restraint where if they don't balance a budget they don't get paid... I don't like the result of that because that pass any old shit bill just to keep getting paid... but penalties should exist.

[chance1]

Yeah but he is raising my paycheck too... so not really a political prism...lol

Trust me if I could give everyone who works for me a raise with a declaration..... I would.


And don't claim your not whining because it is a democrat, I have watched you for six years. You would be defending Bush like his dick was in your ass nightly.

if for the only reason that everyone else was blaming Bush. You just like to argue. Me too!

not sure why it's an all or nothing thing ....... perhaps u do deserve a raise - but given all the time u spend bloviating here ..... i doubt it

my defense of bush would be for two possible reasons:

1 - i believed it - that he was doing the right thing - or thought he was - is what it is
2 - because the freaks here overdid it - like the idea putting him ON TRIAL

I'm no Bush lover by any means

feel free to round up my bush loving posts

and i do enjoy it yes

[JayHawk]

I am in transition so I have a lot of time. Soon i will be a butterfly and you will probably thank the heavens cause I wont be here much...

I am equally none deceived about either man. And I defended what I thought was right on Bush's watch. I am left with less than free will to attack in other means until they are out of office because of article 88. I skim a very fine line at all times with that to begin with.

The 1.7 of ECI is not hindered by the freeze as most military jobs continued to get raises. Although i contend we should not and that we should pay more taxes... but not just us. the entire country should. We created a debt... and to be clear this country will always carry debt... it is the nature of how we are designed... however this unsustainable debt needs to be whittled down and we only do that with all of us...

[chance1]

^ not sure why the middle class should pay MORE taxes - perhaps if real income was growing maybe - but it isn't

i read where the avg. US HH would pay $2,500 or so in increased annual taxes if nothing was done

that's $200K a month - that would likely just shift from consumption to into the govt.'s pockets

the govt. is not very adept right now with monies collected

that $200K could be 401K money or college fund money for people ........

and i have yet to see you even remotely criticize the current president

as long as when u leave BP doesn't appear in your place

what do they say about "absence"

[maxpowr9]

If you want to talk about craziness, it is the state-government level employees that make nearly as much as senators and congresspeople. When a regional tax collector makes $125k/year, there is something a bit off there.

[JockBoy87]

Well I hope this "shot in the arm" plies more congressmen to reason.

[xbuzzerx]

Yep ... a Whopping .5 to 1%!

Of course, that's after a 3yr. freeze. And, still, NONE of them will be above the 250K "tax increase" threshold.

Now compare all that to the Wall Street Bankers, the corporate CEOs, etc., etc. How pathetic is it that our VP makes LESS than some Small Business owners?

It's all a matter of perspective ...

Well said. You could get any number of Congressional salaries put together for what untaxed hedge fund managers get. But hey who needs proportion?

[Kulindahr]

If he'd ordered a raise equal to a .5% increase for the lowest paid federal worker rather than a percentage for everyone, I'd applaud the good example. But this percentage increase crap has got to stop. Either give everyone a $500/mo raise, or no raise at all.

[8tomtoms8]

To me it is typical government at it's finest. Pay them whether they do anything or not. Heck, even give them a raise just because their lazy ass is still sitting in the chair. There is no other job in the US where a person gets a pay raise for accomplishing nothing. Our forefathers never intended for there to be "professional" politicians. How far we have strayed from their vision. So sad!!!

[ReadyWithReadyWit]

For many of these folks it's "tip money"

Nancy Pelosi is worth $100M
John Boehner is worth $4M - surprised it was that low actually
Harry Reid $7M
Mitch McConnell $27M

What exactly is the point of this article/ argument? Foremost, the raise is for federal employees... not Congressmen (they just happen to be federal employees)... there is an important distinction... some of them might actually deserve a 0.5%-1% raise every 3 years.

But, much more importantly, I suppose the point is to show Obama is "rewarding" them or "out of touch"? A little perspective:
- Based on the article, the folks you mentioned are getting raises in the neighborhood of $5000-6000.
- Obama wants to raise their taxes by a tad more than that... roughly 4%... let's see...
John Boehner: $4M*(.04)= $160,000
Harry Reid: $7M*(.04)= $280,000
Mitch McConnell: $27M*(.04)= $1,080,000
Nancy Pelosi: $100M*(.04)= $4,000,000

Um... if Obama's motivation is to pad the pockets of Congress... I think he needs to take a class on "arithmetic".

[Kulindahr]

To me it is typical government at it's finest. Pay them whether they do anything or not. Heck, even give them a raise just because their lazy ass is still sitting in the chair. There is no other job in the US where a person gets a pay raise for accomplishing nothing. Our forefathers never intended for there to be "professional" politicians. How far we have strayed from their vision. So sad!!!

We should have an annual vote on who is the most corrupt member of each house of Congress. The "winners" would be sentenced to spend their next term in the Peace Corps, sweating and getting their hands dirty.

[Rolyo85]

Not pathetic at all. The vice president makes $230,000 a year. He pays nothing for his house, nothing for his vehicles, and nothing for his security staff. He, ostensibly, does less work than most of the people you criticized and gets paid more for it.

I loled very hard at this.

[xbuzzerx]

What exactly is the point of this article/ argument? Foremost, the raise is for federal employees... not Congressmen (they just happen to be federal employees)... there is an important distinction... some of them might actually deserve a 0.5%-1% raise every 3 years.

But, much more importantly, I suppose the point is to show Obama is "rewarding" them or "out of touch"? A little perspective:
- Based on the article, the folks you mentioned are getting raises in the neighborhood of $5000-6000.
- Obama wants to raise their taxes by a tad more than that... roughly 4%... let's see...
John Boehner: $4M*(.04)= $160,000
Harry Reid: $7M*(.04)= $280,000
Mitch McConnell: $27M*(.04)= $1,080,000
Nancy Pelosi: $100M*(.04)= $4,000,000

Um... if Obama's motivation is to pad the pockets of Congress... I think he needs to take a class on "arithmetic".

LOL. No you must be wrong! It's an evil plot to give Democrats in Congress and Obama more pocket money!

[opinterph]

- Obama wants to raise their taxes by a tad more than that... roughly 4%... let's see...

It appears that you are confusing net worth with annual income.

[palemale]

This is a non-issue. I doubt very much that giving Biden and Congress a pay raise was on Obama's mind when he lifted the order freezing salaries. He didn't want to continue a pay freeze on federal workers into a fourth year. In case it escapes anyone's attention, federal workers are people with expenses, families to feed, etc. Expenses have gone up for them over the last three years, but their salaries have not.

It also has the added bonus of putting more money into the economy, because most federal workers are not rich and will spend the money.

[rareboy]

Oh Chance.

It is going to be a long 4 years for you.

[chance1]

Well said. You could get any number of Congressional salaries put together for what untaxed hedge fund managers get. But hey who needs proportion?

So you think their raise is a good thing ?

Tell me who DOESN'T deserve a raise

Contrarian much ?

- - - Updated - - -

Oh Chance.

It is going to be a long 4 years for you.

Ask and answered

And it was grand

[chance1]

This is a non-issue. I doubt very much that giving Biden and Congress a pay raise was on Obama's mind when he lifted the order freezing salaries. He didn't want to continue a pay freeze on federal workers into a fourth year. In case it escapes anyone's attention, federal workers are people with expenses, families to feed, etc. Expenses have gone up for them over the last three years, but their salaries have not.

It also has the added bonus of putting more money into the economy, because most federal workers are not rich and will spend the money.

What a system

A federal worker making 40k is on the same raise/no raise roll as Nancy Pelosi who is worth 100M

Clap hands wildly

And another thing

[Jack Springer]

Yeah but he is raising my paycheck too... so not really a political prism...lol

Trust me if I could give everyone who works for me a raise with a declaration..... I would.


And don't claim your not whining because it is a democrat, I have watched you for six years. You would be defending Bush like his dick was in your ass nightly.

if for the only reason that everyone else was blaming Bush. You just like to argue. Me too!

My understanding is that this raise was for executive personal -- not the regular joe blow federal government worker. Any outrage there?

I'll answer for you -- no.

[Rolyo85]

You're saying it as if it's an automatic occasion for outrage, and since we aren't outraged, you've some how "gotten" us. It's a false premise.

[palemale]

My understanding is that this raise was for executive personal -- not the regular joe blow federal government worker. Any outrage there?

I'll answer for you -- no.

The executive order covers all federal workers.

[Jack Springer]

The executive order covers all federal workers.

Some federal employees will get a pay raise. Not all. Obama's executive order is not specific enough for the regular person to read -- but almost all press reports use the phrase "some employees" -- not "all employees."

I wonder how the SEIU members are feeling about their payback for re-electing Obama prez -- 1/2 of 1% increase.

Strange in the middle of trying to reduce the amount of government spending, Obama spends over $1 billion more.

[vulgar_newcomer]

This is a non-issue. I doubt very much that giving Biden and Congress a pay raise was on Obama's mind when he lifted the order freezing salaries. He didn't want to continue a pay freeze on federal workers into a fourth year. In case it escapes anyone's attention, federal workers are people with expenses, families to feed, etc. Expenses have gone up for them over the last three years, but their salaries have not.

It also has the added bonus of putting more money into the economy, because most federal workers are not rich and will spend the money.

Right on. People fail to see the huge work force of federal employees who are lower level secretaries, janitors, meteorologist, engineers, truck drivers, maintenance staff, park rangers, security, etc.
They blindly lump everything into solely politician when if fact that is not the main core of federal workers all in the same rat race trying to keep up with insurance, utility, food, & housing cost with the rest of the population.

So if you a GS 4 step 3 making $14.95 a hr in Atlanta GA (frozen since 2010) you get a whooping .05% increase!!! Holy shit batman I wonder how much health care, fuel, food, and electric has gone up since 2010 in greater metro Atlanta? I bet more then .05%.

[Kulindahr]

This is a non-issue. I doubt very much that giving Biden and Congress a pay raise was on Obama's mind when he lifted the order freezing salaries. He didn't want to continue a pay freeze on federal workers into a fourth year. In case it escapes anyone's attention, federal workers are people with expenses, families to feed, etc. Expenses have gone up for them over the last three years, but their salaries have not.

It also has the added bonus of putting more money into the economy, because most federal workers are not rich and will spend the money.

Their expenses did not rise by a percentage of income, but by a percentage of what it actually costs to live. Raises as a percentage of salaries have got to stop.

[Kulindahr]

Right on. People fail to see the huge work force of federal employees who are lower level secretaries, janitors, meteorologist, engineers, truck drivers, maintenance staff, park rangers, security, etc.
They blindly lump everything into solely politician when if fact that is not the main core of federal workers all in the same rat race trying to keep up with insurance, utility, food, & housing cost with the rest of the population.

So if you a GS 4 step 3 making $14.95 a hr in Atlanta GA (frozen since 2010) you get a whooping .05% increase!!! Holy shit batman I wonder how much health care, fuel, food, and electric has gone up since 2010 in greater metro Atlanta? I bet more then .05%.

So he could have just lifted it for those making less than the median, right?

[palbert]

In my mind these raises border on the criminal.

[FuryOfFirestorm]

We should have an annual vote on who is the most corrupt member of each house of Congress. The "winners" would be sentenced to spend their next term in the Peace Corps, sweating and getting their hands dirty.

Good idea. Better yet, they have to go disarm land mines in Third World countries. They either help prevent people from getting maimed and killed, or they get blown up in the process. I call that a "win-win" outcome.

[chance1]

^ an interesting "twist" ..... Disarming land mines

You get voted "most creative off topic rant"

Happy holidays

Tying $15 per hour workers to McConnell - Pelosi is .....

SICK !!!

Happy New Year to all 100 %

[xbuzzerx]

So you think their raise is a good thing ?

Yes, I think a raise to Federal employees who haven't had a raise in 3 years is a good thing.

You falsely presented this as only Congress and the President paying themselves more. And CE&P is bright enough to figure that out. Try again.

[chance1]

Yes, I think a raise to Federal employees who haven't had a raise in 3 years is a good thing.

You falsely presented this as only Congress and the President paying themselves more. And CE&P is bright enough to figure that out. Try again.

falsely presented ? it's an article with a title and a story

both are used

so take a hike

and don't be so sloppy

[xbuzzerx]

falsely presented ? it's an article with a title and a story

both are used

so take a hike

and don't be so sloppy

Completely and utterly obvious what your angle was here. No, this pay increase was not bad when the monumental majority of it went to everyday working people who are Federal employees who spend in our economy. Not bad, move on. New outrage waiting for you somewhere on the net I'm sure.

[opinterph]

Holy shit batman I wonder how much health care, fuel, food, and electric has gone up since 2010 in greater metro Atlanta? I bet more then .05%.

Approximate increase of 2.6% as compared to average annual Cost of Living Index.

Atlanta, Georgia

9th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in US

Population: 5.4 million

Cost of Living Index (US average = 100)

2009 93.2
2010 95.4
2011 96.7
2012 98.0

(Source: Technology Association of Georgia, Kiplinger)

Federal workers are falling farther behind on pay, study shows (Eric Yoder, Washington Post; October 19, 2012)

[Jack Springer]

^^^

The idea is to reduce spending, not increase it.

[xbuzzerx]

^^^

The idea is to reduce spending, not increase it.

It is not the correct way to do that to take every government employee and freeze their pay forever until they're in wage slavery. Cut actually big stuff like you know... defense.

[Jack Springer]

It is not the correct way to do that to take every government employee and freeze their pay forever until they're in wage slavery. Cut actually big stuff like you know... defense.

In case you're entirely in a bubble and don't know what's been happening the last 4+ years -- let me refresh your memory about the sufferings of the American people.

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, some cannot find anything, people have been losing their homes, life savings, working for minimum wage and many have not had a wage increase or are working for less rather than lose their jobs.

Federal government employees do rather well.

I'm all for cutting defense spending -- there is much cutting that can be done there. I know too many retired military that have 2nd homes, huge RV's, get discounted gas, and shop is segregated grocery stores.

[chance1]

Completely and utterly obvious what your angle was here. No, this pay increase was not bad when the monumental majority of it went to everyday working people who are Federal employees who spend in our economy. Not bad, move on. New outrage waiting for you somewhere on the net I'm sure.

So sad

I read a piece on the HUFFINGTON POST

And posted it

Have u read Huff Po ?

If u did you'd know how they lean

Try to get a grip

[chance1]

Approximate increase of 2.6% as compared to average annual Cost of Living Index.

Atlanta, Georgia

9th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in US

Population: 5.4 million

Cost of Living Index (US average = 100)

2009 93.2
2010 95.4
2011 96.7
2012 98.0

(Source: Technology Association of Georgia, Kiplinger)

Federal workers are falling farther behind on pay, study shows (Eric Yoder, Washington Post; October 19, 2012)

Thanks for sharing - do u have an opinion here ? Seems u don't follow the standards u apply to others

As for the attachment ......

It shows that WITH BENEFITS included

Federal workers are outpacing privates.

Since we don't know your POV it's impossible to ascertain whether or not u saw this

[Kyanimal]

I'd just like to reiterate a few points that have already been made ...

The Pres. did NOT give Federal Employees a raise. That is not within his power. The raises were passed by CONGRESS, which holds ALL of the purse strings.

What he did was release a Freeze that he'd imposed, by executive order, on that portion of Congressional spending.

As for Americans financially suffering ... um ... When did the House of Cards collapse into the Abyss? 2008? Oh! "W"s last year. Not Obama's first!

Just wanted to throw in those reminders ...

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

[JayHawk]

^ not sure why the middle class should pay MORE taxes - perhaps if real income was growing maybe - but it isn't

i read where the avg. US HH would pay $2,500 or so in increased annual taxes if nothing was done

that's $200K a month - that would likely just shift from consumption to into the govt.'s pockets

the govt. is not very adept right now with monies collected

that $200K could be 401K money or college fund money for people ........

and i have yet to see you even remotely criticize the current president

as long as when u leave BP doesn't appear in your place

what do they say about "absence"

Actually we are at a negative savings rate so realistically the money would be taken out of the economy and not spent. That is what it means for ninety percent of America.

[opinterph]

Thanks for sharing - do u have an opinion here ? Seems u don't follow the standards u apply to others

It’s all original content, produced by me. No quotes. The facts were derived from external sources, as noted – http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html

As for the attachment ......

The post doesn’t include an attachment.

BTW~ You should read the linked article from Washington Post. It includes an alterative view argued by Mitt Romney that you might enjoy.

[JayHawk]

In case you're entirely in a bubble and don't know what's been happening the last 4+ years -- let me refresh your memory about the sufferings of the American people.

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, some cannot find anything, people have been losing their homes, life savings, working for minimum wage and many have not had a wage increase or are working for less rather than lose their jobs.

Federal government employees do rather well.

I'm all for cutting defense spending -- there is much cutting that can be done there. I know too many retired military that have 2nd homes, huge RV's, get discounted gas, and shop is segregated grocery stores.

Sounds like someone is a bit jealous here. lol.

The cuts to defense have nothing to do with cutting out Commissaries where service members buy groceries for no taxes. Which were benefits set up because of the low rate of pay. The pay is still unequal to similar professions on the outside of the service. Which is why we get 1.7 guaranteed until the equity is restored.

You couldnt possibly be upset because military families have the ability to spend very little while a major portion of there family (Mom or Dad) is deployed and able to save. You seem pretty upset that people can make smart decisions and save money.... pretty pathetic.

On the other hand you did get one inkling right in your bile. Defense needs to be cut... we were about 750 thousand between army and Marines prior to the two wars. We now stand at a million. We can cut those 250 thousand out of continuous service. Perhaps allow them a reserve affiliation if they are particularly good soldiers and marines. We can also save from the draw down of the wars, the draw down of service members overseas. Not complete withdrawal but you really do not need a giant hospital complex in Germany if they is no war effort next to there to feed them patients. Finally we need to continue to explore technology but not at breakneck pace. Do we need a new fighter or can we extend the life of the f18? Could we slow production of the DDx and just push out a few more Arleigh Burkes or extend hull lives to keep them at sea?

There are many solutions. Cutting well earned benefits is the kind of thinking that earned us tragic and epic levels of homelessness after Vietnam. Don't hate your neighbors because they can plan with skimpy money and because they use benefits they earned that you failed to earn.