this redistricting makes placing you in office so much more difficult! such goes Politics i am told. what does that mean, so goes Politics? i thought politicians were elected by us to represent us. but how naive… apparently they get elected to have a job, a well paid job with great benefits most of us will never see and which they will do anything to keep! including making us a part of a district that makes no sense. Where is the American outrage? do folks not get that we are being swindled by our very own representatives?
At least I can address the “benefits” piece of the puzzle.
Contrary to widespread rumor, congressional representatives DO NOT get any special benefits. After 5 years in office they qualify for the same retirement and medical benefits as do other federal employees (that is, they can buy-in). Their income is subject to SS and Medicare withholding taxes, and they are covered under those plans like anyone else. Whether the pay scale is out of proportion to the job requirements is a matter worth debating, but it is not unreasonable to argue that maintaining residences in both Washington and at home warrants some remuneration. (Currently $174,000 per year, not raised for the past two years.)
this redistricting makes placing you in office so much more difficult! such goes Politics i am told. what does that mean, so goes Politics? i thought politicians were elected by us to represent us. but how naive… apparently they get elected to have a job, a well paid job with great benefits most of us will never see and which they will do anything to keep! including making us a part of a district that makes no sense. Where is the American outrage? do folks not get that we are being swindled by our very own representatives?
At least I can address the “benefits” piece of the puzzle.
Contrary to widespread rumor, congressional representatives DO NOT get any special benefits. After 5 years in office they qualify for the same retirement and medical benefits as do other federal employees (that is, they can buy-in). Their income is subject to SS and Medicare withholding taxes, and they are covered under those plans like anyone else. Whether the pay scale is out of proportion to the job requirements is a matter worth debating, but it is not unreasonable to argue that maintaining residences in both Washington and at home warrants some remuneration. (Currently $174,000 per year, not raised for the past two years.)