How much longer are we to remain silent while those we elect to office simply establish one set of rules for themselves and a totally different set for the rest of us? The legislators and Governor of Wisconsin are an example that merits discussion. The Wisconsin budget is a biannual wing ding that require establishing pay raises for elected state officials to get pay raises in advance. Note the word s "pay raises". These pay raises are enacted to law by the State Assembly and Senate and signed by the governor. All this tax money laundering is at the expense of the tax payers of the state of Wisconsin who simply look away and unwittingly agree. We are consumed by political arrogance by politicians from both major parties who seem to disdain the voters with their display of perpetual arrogance.
The pay raises that the Wisconsin legislature and governor approved in the 2007-2008 budget included a 5.3% increase for the base pay of all members of the state Assembly and Senate (and the same percentage increase for all other state elected office holders) who increased their pay from $47,413 (2007 and 2008) to $49,943 for 2009 and 2010. This does not include per diem and allowances for a second residence, travel to and from Madison, health care insurance, and state pension contributions that when totaled probably exceeds $12,000. Their total compensation approaches an estimated $65,000 or more annually. They are also provided budgets for staff and office allowances that are all paid by Wisconsin tax payers. In addition to the tax payers moola, the legislators have their coffers filled with political contributions that are tax free and can be used for any purpose they deem fit. Pretty lush for a part time job that requires their presence in Madison about half time or less.
Meanwhile our Wisconsin legislators and governor decided to deduct 3% of the pay to all unelected state employees for two years beginning in 2009. This was done by mandating forced furloughs without pay for the more than 69,000 full-time (equivalent) state workers as of the latest published count (2008). All of these employees are forced to take pay cuts by our state governor and state legislators are awarded with self-legislated pay raises. Why not have them vote to roll back their pay and reduce it by 3% of their pay in 2008? We cannot, they will acclaim because the law (that they created) does not allow a sitting legislative body in Wisconsin to alter pay scales of elected legislators (increase or decrease) during their 2 year budget term in office. Well we can wait for 2010 for them to cut their pay back to 2008 levels, can't we? Why not ask your state legislators who run for election next year whether or nor they will do so. Put their butts to the fire and force them to commit one way or another before you vote.
Although this particular issue of "behind the Squeaking Door" deals with Wisconsin, the same situation probably applies to all of our states. If yo don't live in Wisconsin find out how your elected state legislators dole out the tax dollars to themselves. You will probably be surprised and nauseated by what you find.
Meanwhile, spend some of your time questioning your representatives in state government and force them to treat the voters who elected them just like thy treat themselves. Nothing more, nothing less. This should be the American way!
Maybe the status quo is all we can expect. It will be if we allow the present legal corruption in the guise of state law to remain intact. Each of must and can do something to change this abuse of our tax dollars. Attend campaign debates in your state next year and ask hard questions and demand straight answers. It is all up to you to eliminate legal corruption and special treatment for those we elect to state office. Of course the same applies to the Federal elected officials as it does to locally elected people who represent our cities, towns, and villages. Do not sit back and accept what you are dished. Become active . Your tax dollars are being spent by the people you elect so hold them accountable and force them to explain their misuse and abuse of their actions. Speak up and take action. Our elective form of democratic government requires civilian involvement and action, not complacency. Ask tough questions and get truthful answers from everyone you may vote for before doing casting your vote. Listen and read their statements and press releases. The people you vote for must be told that you will hold them accountable if they are elected to office. Stop the arrogance of your elected officials before it becomes entrenched and institutionalized.
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