[Andrius]

I thought congressmen got 240k?

JM

[MarythePuppy6]

[q=about.com]The current salary (2008) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $169,300 per year.[/q]

I don't know what I'd ask for myself, though I probably would be fine with $169k. The complexity of pay includes things like maintaining two residences and other costs, lots of travel only some of which is covered, and the whole "pay them enough so they don't feel like they need to take bribes/gifts/etc." theory (which I actually generally agree with).

[SeLvesTr]

The complexity of pay includes things like maintaining two residences and other costs, lots of travel only some of which is covered, and the whole "pay them enough so they don't feel like they need to take bribes/gifts/etc." theory (which I actually generally agree with). Assume the cost of the second residence and the travel back and forth is considered essential to the performance of your duties, so that would be covered in full.

[Donlupedron]

Hell no.

[hictchewisa]

Would we be able to post on poly while "on the job"?

I'd do it for free. I doubt I'd accomplish much, but hopefully I would be the first person to ask a knock-knock joke on the House floor.

[Todilrdc]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi


If we aren't paying them a salary, then the consequence is that they need to have the basics covered, such as a place to say in Washington, and for their travel expenses back and forth.

I'm thinking a place a maybe 1k a month or so to stay. You're not thinking hard enough then if you want them to live in DC. 1K a month isn't going to cut it ... and anyhow that puts it well above your lowest few levels anyway.

Anyhow, be honest with us and actually make your point rather than pretending you didn't post this for a reason...

[carpartsho]

Originally posted by snoopy369
You're not thinking hard enough then if you want them to live in DC. 1K a month isn't going to cut it ... and anyhow that puts it well above your lowest few levels anyway BK is clearly saying that the pay ($'s in the poll) is on top of living/moving/job related expenses which would be provided for.

[BruceQW]

Originally posted by Darius871


They've got a point! In their country, anyway. A quick look at ours shows that private sector wages have no apparent enhancing effect on either competence or ethics.

[VrQsgM7c]

Anyhow, be honest with us and actually make your point rather than pretending you didn't post this for a reason... It's a thought experiment.

I believe I said that already. I'm curious what answers we would get from the poly posters, nothing more then that.

I was debating in another thread and I thought, that would make an excellent poll, and I don't believe it had ever been asked before.

[AlexBolduin]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi
Why not?

Is your boss going to go and tell you to be there? At worst you'd be kicked out of caucus and have to serve as an independent. You say "kicked out of caucus" like it'd be a bad thing...

[ronaldasten]

I would volunteer to be a congressman, since I can just get rich of sluch funds and kick backs.

[Romarionsion]

Hmm. Junior Congressman from CT? I'd give it a shot for a salary in the 50-100 range. My salary is in that range now and I spend a lot of time arguing about politics. So the only change is geographical, which admittedly is a bummer. Then again, I might do something good and I'd only be there for 2 years.

-Arrian

[Peretool]

If I can use the position to leverage more money and influence (such that I can get a sweet well paid job after my stint) then I would accept a low salary all expenses paid job. If it is purely to do my 'duty' and I gain no other benefit, I would want more than my current salary.

[aLZ9zKsO]

We have the same sort of discussions wrt politician pay here. "Pay more to attract better candidates/representatives" has been the claim. Quite frankly we have been on that path for decades and the quality of our representatives continues to drop. Perhaps it's time to move the other way and actually attract dedicated people interested in public service for a change.

[JimmyHas]

If I can use the position to leverage more money and influence (such that I can get a sweet well paid job after my stint) then I would accept a low salary all expenses paid job. If it is purely to do my 'duty' and I gain no other benefit, I would want more than my current salary. You can do whatever you want as a congressman. I'm not putting any restrictions on people. If people want to schmooze up to the lobbyists, they are welcome too.

[sFs4aOok]

I suppose this is as good a place as any to mention that I'm running for Congress. I'll admit, the pay does seem kinda nice, but that's not why I'm doing it, especially since I'm not under any illusions I'm going to be elected.

[YabbaIn]

It's good to be from Chicago.

[brandiweb]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi


You can do whatever you want as a congressman. I'm not putting any restrictions on people. If people want to schmooze up to the lobbyists, they are welcome too. I would schmooze the lobbyists that I generally agree with. I would remain principled.

Abortions for some, miniature American flags for others!

[Bridgester]

Less.

[Rinkeliacasse]

What superpowers has Congress-Man?