This should shake a few people up (in a good way!)
NOTE: This is not the formal wording for all parts...some of it is just to get the "feel" for the details and/or to show what numbers will be used to figure actual values.
I propose Amendment 28 to the Constitution of the United States of America:
Federal salaries
Section I: Federal employees shall receive pay & benefits no greater than the median levels of such for the private sector equivalent of their position for the region of their responsibility. This does not include soldiers in any branch of the US Military.
Section II: Congress shall receive neither pay nor benefits for their service. They are expected to maintain their private-sector incomes, and arrange for benefits (retirement, healthcare, etc) through that or on their own. Members shall be reimbursed for mileage for driving to and from Congressional sessions at the same rate as federal jurors are reimbursed. (NOTE: This is a "filler" for the actual value...insert language for a reasonable increase to the value, so they don't just start paying jurors $500 per mile.) If they choose to fly commercial, they shall be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket up to the amount they would receive had they driven. They shall be eligible for reimbursement of other basic expenses directly related to fulfilling their requirements as members of Congress, not to exceed 25% of the median annual income of their constituents. State & local governments may (at their option) reimburse these expenses above these limits when unforeseeable events (such as natural disasters) drive these costs higher.
NOTE: Add some provision in here for paying for minimal staffing for each Congressperson, as well.
Section III: The President shall be paid an annual salary equal to the median income of the country to allow for a certain amount of personal expenditures. They don't need any more than this, since housing, food, etc are already provided for them. Also provide for a limited amount of travel at taxpayer expense. Anything beyond that must come out of the President's personal finances (including any extra secret service pay for more vacations, etc.) Provide a relatively small amount for the First Family's travel, etc, as well. Also severely limit the Vice President's expenses (I have no details to offer here, as I have not researched what the VP is already provided.)
What does anyone think? Suggestions? Comments? I really would like to flesh this out & then get people all over the country to submit it to their state legislatures, to see if we can get the ball rolling on this. It may seem a bit ambitious, but anything like this has to start somewhere. :)
I propose Amendment 28 to the Constitution of the United States of America:
Federal salaries
Section I: Federal employees shall receive pay & benefits no greater than the median levels of such for the private sector equivalent of their position for the region of their responsibility. This does not include soldiers in any branch of the US Military.
Section II: Congress shall receive neither pay nor benefits for their service. They are expected to maintain their private-sector incomes, and arrange for benefits (retirement, healthcare, etc) through that or on their own. Members shall be reimbursed for mileage for driving to and from Congressional sessions at the same rate as federal jurors are reimbursed. (NOTE: This is a "filler" for the actual value...insert language for a reasonable increase to the value, so they don't just start paying jurors $500 per mile.) If they choose to fly commercial, they shall be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket up to the amount they would receive had they driven. They shall be eligible for reimbursement of other basic expenses directly related to fulfilling their requirements as members of Congress, not to exceed 25% of the median annual income of their constituents. State & local governments may (at their option) reimburse these expenses above these limits when unforeseeable events (such as natural disasters) drive these costs higher.
NOTE: Add some provision in here for paying for minimal staffing for each Congressperson, as well.
Section III: The President shall be paid an annual salary equal to the median income of the country to allow for a certain amount of personal expenditures. They don't need any more than this, since housing, food, etc are already provided for them. Also provide for a limited amount of travel at taxpayer expense. Anything beyond that must come out of the President's personal finances (including any extra secret service pay for more vacations, etc.) Provide a relatively small amount for the First Family's travel, etc, as well. Also severely limit the Vice President's expenses (I have no details to offer here, as I have not researched what the VP is already provided.)
What does anyone think? Suggestions? Comments? I really would like to flesh this out & then get people all over the country to submit it to their state legislatures, to see if we can get the ball rolling on this. It may seem a bit ambitious, but anything like this has to start somewhere. :)