I created a new petition on We the People, a new feature on WhiteHouse.gov, and ask for your support. Will you add your name to mine? If this petition gets 25,000 signatures by January 01, 2013, the White House will review it and respond!
We the People allows anyone to create and sign petitions asking the Obama Administration to take action on a range of issues. If a petition gets enough support, the Obama Administration will issue an official response.
With the release of the House schedule for next year announcing that they will be in session 129 days, at an annual salary of $174,000, it seems to me that the American taxpayers are paying too much for too little. Obviously with these cushy jobs it is impossible for our Congress to understand what struggles there are when you cannot set your own wages and work schedules. I am petitioning the White House for some different rules. Please remember that in 2008 when the average American citizen was faced with the Great Recession the Congress raised their salaries as almost the last action taken that year. THAT needs to change.
You can view and sign the petition here:
Here's some more information about this petition:
Adjustment of Congressional Wages and Oversight
A minimum amount in Washington of 3 weeks per month, in session. No more than 2 airfares/month in travel, except in emergency situations (Illness or death in the family, etc).
Submission of the actual costs of travel, housing and expenses for payment after review.
No increase in salary higher than the cost of living - just like Social Security benefits - with commensurate health benefit increases as with SS.
The same health insurance as the rest of the citizens
The same retirement benefits based solely on length of service and a maximum of 60% of salary. No retirement for under 4 years of service - just like the rest of us.
Approval of salary increases, benefits and allowable expenses by an independent commission.
Absolutely no remuneration or gratuities from lobbyists.