In a symbolic move yesterday, the Obama administration announced that senior staff in the White House will have their salaries frozen at current levels (no COLA). Perhaps our Senator's offices should do the same?
I have been thinking that as much as change has come to Washington, it will take all both the Executive and the Legislative branch to lead by example. The Senate has been funding the committees at 110% since the first 50/50 Senate and perhaps it is time that Democrats not only roll this back, but also have member offices sign a pledge to show some fiscal discipline and freeze the salaries of staff making more than $100,000 as well. Will it ever happen? No ? Why.... As was pointed out during the campaign (although in an overly simplistic way) Democratic offices do not have the track record of paying junior staff as well as Republican offices, and when money comes into the office, it usually is absorbed by the Chief of Staff and Senior Legislative staff. I noticed that Obama did not promise a "give back" of the COLA money, and I suppose that it would not be necessary for Senate offices.... but they could pay staffers more than $25,000 and help junior staff in these difficult times....
Just a thought...Not a staffer now... But used to be there