Return to Article: GOP group calls for cuts in federal retirees' benefits to fund Katrina relief
-
22040
Question on retirement: Is the government planning on using the formula for the highest four or five salaries for the future retirees? I'm in CSRS, age 50 and have 27 years of service.
Thanks!
-
18185
I feel that I employ the senators, so I should have the same retirement as they do. Put them on Social Security only and we would see a lot of changes.
-
13413
Expecting Federal Employees to shoulder the burden of bailing out people and businesses who choose to live and operate below a flood plain or in a hurricane zone is ludicrous. Once Congress' recommended reductions to federal benefits are reduced, they will never be reinstated. Using Hurricane Katrina as a guise to deplete federal benefits is totally unfair to federal workers, since the costs for the hurricane relief will be short lived. Where will this all lead? What currently happens all over this country when tornados, floods, forest fires, hurricanes in other states take place? Is this the path we are venturing down? The rest of the population will be tasked to make everyone else's folly good. I did not choose to live in a flood zone, or common hurricane, tornado, or forest fire area.
If people choose to live or operate a business in these areas, they should be required to purchase insurance to cover their losses. If they chose not to do so, it should not be anyone else's responsibility to make things right for them. Why is Congress even entertaining subsidizing this stupidity? If the losses happened to government agencies, the entire populace (as a whole) should shoulder the cost, Congress should not target federal workers by slicing federal employees' retirement and health benefits as a ruse to offset the losses.
If the real reason for the cuts is truly short-term to offset Hurricane Katrina losses, a rational reasonable solution would be to institute a "temporary" country-wide federal sales tax on every transaction that takes place for say one year, perhaps .005 percent. It's time this county stopped targeting certain groups to shoulder our fiscal burdens (and this includes social security). Since everyone is a consumer and should be a worker (it's the American way), let everyone shoulder the burden for disaster relief and social security. However, once the debt is covered, the temporary tax(es) must be eliminated and not used as an ongoing source of revenue for more pork belly spending.
I don't think that I have to remind anyone that when President Bush took office, this country did not have this enormous problem with debt that this administration has fostered
-
12922
A lot of state and local agencies offer even more benefits to their workers, especially law enforcement and public safety workers. Many of them don't have to pay into their retirement at all, and also don't pay for their health insurance. The benefits federal workers have are earned by us, and paid for by us through payroll deductions for our retirement, health and life insurance, TSP, etc. We also in effect pay a portion of our own salaries, through our income taxes. I wonder how many who are calling for a cut in those benefits are aware of the true facts regarding federal workers and their benefits?
-
12919
Mr. Pence is looking for an issue to get reelected on. Too bad he is not responsive to the people of the United States. Wasteful spending is the problem in the Congress.
If Congress had to balance a checkbook at the end of the month we would all have better lives.
-
12897
You got that right Larry. One thing that has always bothered me about working for the government is the way it changes things by passing laws, as if that makes it right. I don't agree. We should honor the agreement I/we all signed up for -- in my case 32 years ago. I did run the numbers on this three- versus five-year high salary thing and would lose around 5K per year in my retirement.
-
12814
I just read you message from the House Republican Study Committee; and I think it is a big crock! The government keeps reaching into a pocket to give money to South Africa, Asia, and many other countries in order to try to help. Well, quit trying to help all the other countries and reach a little deeper into that pocket and help our own people.
I'm sorry about all the victims of the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. If I would like to donate money to the victims I think that is my business. I do not think that the government needs to rob from me after I have spent thirty-eight years in government service to support them. The money you stop sending out can stay in house!
What happened to the Constitution? Do the American people have any rights any more to work all their life and expect to retire and live out their old days in a little peace and visit their grandkids? No! Now we have to worry about will we have enough medical and money to keep paying bills and live!! I agree with some of the other readers in that we are being represented by a bunch of idiots!
Have a nice day,
Larry Barnes -
12811
If they want us to me more in line with private industry, then why do they take more money from us for retirement?
Yes, we pay more. And when you pay more into retirement, you deserve more.
-
12779
I just read something interesting. Rep Pence seems to think that changing the retirement computation from 3 to 5 years puts us "more in line with private industry". I have news for you Mikey, we are ALREADY paid 20-30 percent UNDER out counterparts in private industry. So, your argument is NULL AND VOID. We are already in line with private industry with the high 3 years. How can the good people of Indiana vote for idiots like this? I hope all you Federal workers remember Rep Pence and his kooky ideas when it comes time to vote in the next elections. Get this yutz out!!!!!!
-
12746
Bruce,
The scary part is what your wife will receive if something happens to you. Forty-three years of service to your country and your wife will receive less than a fresh immigrant falsely claiming SSI, Medi-care, and food stamps from their million dollar residence.
My uncle retired from the Marines after the Bataan Death March, forced labor in Mitsui Mine number 17, and the Korean War. He signed away retirement benefits to work at Warren AFB and retired from there.
When he died a few years ago, my aunt was left with eight hundred and change a month to live on in a mobile home.
-
12744
Upon reading this proposal headed up by Rep. Mike Pence, R-IND, I am appalled! At the present time my wife and I are just barely getting by on my pension and her social security, in fact with the costs of living going up and up constantly we have had to subsidize our income in order to make ends meet and mortgage our home. Fortunately I am still in good health and can work, however my wife cannot. Who knows how long "I" will be able to keep working and your talking about reducing my retirement benefits and my medical premiums as well? This is a travisty. Pick on someone that can afford it! Elimante some of the give away programs but leave the retiree's alone!!
-
12730
I think congress should take a big cut in pay , since they just voted for themselves to have a pay raise. We are being run by idiots!!!!
-
12729
It is time that the pay program in congress is required to come in line with the little guy. Congress should be required to pay into social security and to retire under social security. Their pay raises should be voted on during each Presidential election by the people they were hired to serve. I would love to see the GAO publish a finacial report showing the expenses for congress for one year, not as a lump sum, but by line item. Average member pay, and ALL perks identified by line item and expense that are paid for by tax payers. WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS IS A FAIR SYSTEM WHEREIN NO AGENCY CAN VOTE THEMSELVES A PAY RAISE. IF A MEMBER OF CONGRESS HAD TO WORK FOR A SALARY THAT DEPENDED ON A PUBLIC VOTE AND HAD TO HAVE THEIR RETIREMENT COME OUT OF SOCIAL SECURITY,YOU WOULD SEE TWO THINGS HAPPEN. 1) SOCIAL SECURITY WOULD BECOME FIXED QUICKLY AND 2) IF CONGRESS HAD TO WORK FOR AN AVERAGE SALARY,YOU MOST LIKELY WOULD NOT SEE MANY RICH PEOPLE IN CONGRESS. WHAT YOU WOULD SEE IS A JOE CITIZEN THAT KNOWS HE IS A SALARY EMPLOYEE AND THAT SALARY IS AT THE MERCY OF THE AVERAGE AMERICAN.
Each law congress passes should be on its own merit and no other laws or programs should be allowed to pass on the coat tails of the original law. The president would not need a line item veto as many bills would not get to the Pork Barrel.
I AM A RETIRED AIR FORCE SGT AND MY RETIREMENT IS SPLIT BETWEEN THE VA AND THE AF. LIKE MOST, MY DISABILITY IS PAID FROM MY AF RETIREMENT EVEN THOUGH I AM LISTED AT A 50% DISABILITY. I WAS RETIRED WITH A 100% DISABILITY FROM CIVIL SERVICE AND THAT IS A MONTLY INCOME THAT IS NOT TAX FREE AND IS A WHOLE $1,042.00 DOLLARS. MY TOTAL TAKE HOME PAY COMES TO $2,400.00 ROUNDED UP TO THE CLOSEST DOLLAR. THAT IS WHAT I GET AFTER 43 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE TO MY COUNTRY. I KNOW THERE MANY VETERANS THAT GET LESS THAN I DO AND THAT IS TRULY AN INJUSTICE.
OUR GOVERNMENT NEEDS AN OVERHAUL BUT I AM AFRAID THAT IT IS TOO LATE FOR THAT.
-
12722
I feel the RNC is literally standing on the abyss of really stumbling badly with this policy of even considering such a move, After all the years to achieve both houses and the Presidency and slowly erode the confidence of the constituancy,first with the Immigration indecisions then the absolute setting on their hands with the Katrina Response, and now saying, well we have exercised dominion over these old people and they will accept it, they dont represent a large productive blocks like Defence or oil, big Spenders on the campain trail, hell their obedient they will groan for a while and then forget it......You night Crawlers at the RNC may get a sobering Shock at every level of elected Office for Betraying a lot of very angry and disheartened VOTERS.....It aint hard to change Party affilation, it aint hard to stick Bumper stickers on and describe LIARS,WORD IS NO GOOD,FEDERAL SERVICE SUCKS,CONSERATIVES GO TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS BUT LIE LIKE HELL THE OTHER SIX DAYS, I'm going to follow the voting records on these elected slugs here in okla and elsewhere. All these senators feel like they are Presidential material, Im curious how they will jump sideways in explaining this in a few years when they are sticking out the soft white hands and toothy smiles and giving you the "IM your guy look" It's no wonder Term limits are constantly talked about.We have them here in ok and did it ever flush out the drift wood and Pro teat suckers, Im fixing to get very active in writing to my Elected Members, There going to get sick of me!!!! B. Potter okc.
-
12709
The raid on retirees to fund hurricane reconstruction is a morally bad idea. I'm from south Louisiana, I am a Republican, & I served in the Navy 10 years. My family hometown needs help, but not by the FEDGOV taking money from retirement pay. This is only ONE idea on their list, PLEASE read the entire document at http://johnshadegg.house.gov/rsc/RSC_Budget_Options_2005.pdf
Many good ideas are included: Eliminating most foreign aid, National Endowment for the Arts, stop 15% of PBS funding, stop Dept.of Energy grants to cities, eliminate many federal programs, and that bridge to a island in Alaska were only 50 people live, plus many other proposals would save billions and billions of dollars.
I do NOT support cutting federal retirement or medicare/medicade programs. I say cut fat, not meat. We owe it to our federal civilian and military retirees to take care of them.
And to those mentioning President Bush's name: This idea to cut retirement pay is from Congressmen Mike Pence & Jeb Hensarling, not from Pres.Bush! Cut Congress' retirement first then we'll talk!
-
12705
EARLY OUTS, EARLY OUTS, EARLY OUTS!!! I'd sure as hell take an early out despite the reduction in benefits to escape this unfulfilling, thankless servitude. Come-on all you boys and girls at Capitol Hill, you and your daddy Bush think we are worhtless leeches suckling at the government teat anyway....let us have early outs and you can remold the government and New Orleans the way you want...think about it.
-
12696
Just a few thoughts. The greatest revenge is to discourage all young, bright people from working for the federal government, citing all the inequities and sacrifices we government employees encounter each day. If Congress wants to bail out people and businesses who choose to live and operate below a flood plane, then the cost of paying for this foolishness should come out of their personal accounts. Elsewhere in the country, if you live in a flood plane and your property is destroyed year after year, you are told to move, that your house will not be rebuilt on the same site. In some cases, whole towns have had to move to higher ground. Why are people in New Orleans any different? Congress needs lesson or two in reality, so why don't we pick up our government offices in the Washington DC area and move them right into the middle of the country where they would be closer to the voters.
-
12683
The clueless posting wasn't sarcasm, it was meant to sling mud at Federal employees. I recognize sarcasm when I see it, and this was NOT sarcasm.
-
12681
I also like the idea of just offering early outs to save money. I am young enough to start another career, and my knowledge and skills are in demand. I've got too much time to just give up, but am basically fed up.
Many of us are willing to take the age penality, so that will reduce our pention and they can save there.
-
12680
Well, this is an interesting collection of opinions. I reserve the right to vote for whomever I please, regardless of party. 1. To the letter writer who thought fed employees ought to be treated as the private sector: Hope you were being facetious. All those "private" folks whose retirement has been destroyed can blame the failure of leadership in their own companies. Some have even been on trial lately for it (Enron, et al.). Poor model for the federal govt to emulate. Oh, too late. Seems like our leadership is doing just that.
2. I agree that the govt ought to get off the back of the US taxpayer. Those of us federal employees who rake in the free benefits and who pay no taxes should be first in line to offer to level the playing field. So, do I hear a thunderous chorus of civil servants admit that they are not taxed as any other citizen?....... Really?... no one? Well, add civil servants to the list of taxpayers who would like relief from the expense of paying for our own retirement commitment. 3.Oh yes, civil service career is a sacrifice for the country. Just as real as a military career, a public health career, an ambassador career, an elected official career. But it is rarely acknowledged nor rewarded as such. We are made to appear to be taking from, not giving to, the country. But look what we offer: stability, depth and breadth of experience & knowledge from working within the system, flexibility, organization and manpower for carrying out new directives and program goals, commitment to our communities and nation despite being mostly unseen and unheard. Consider our willingness to sacrifice our voices in the public arena to the larger good, avoiding public political stands, rarely accepting any public gratitude for services rendered, forgoing public acclaim, giving up the right to strike for better working conditions, accepting substandard work environments, letting strangers at a great distance negotiate agreements on our wages and benefits with little recourse. The list could grow, but this note cannot.
I have more to say. But will wait for another time.....
Family Nurse Practitioner
-
12674
I have a better idea. How about the gov't comes up with these funds by giving "Early Outs" to all of us gov't employees that are fed up with this crap and just want the hell out? I'll bet that there are plenty of us out here that can't wait to get out from under Uncle Sam's thumb. I say just give me what I've got coming to me now and I would quite happily go away, and then they could use my pay that I would have gotten over the next several years to fund the rebuilding of New Orleans, so that it can sink into the ocean again and again.
-
12658
I think the "clueless" posting was just sarcasm, so don't get so worked up!
-
12652
Wow, looks like this thread woke a lot of people up! But just for a minute let's forget all the issues, except for the main one. Should New Orleans be rebuilt? No, no, and again, no. Why? Simple. According to a brave but nameless Army Corps of Engineers employee, it's sinking into the mud, and is below sea level. Should we help our fellow Americans re-locate and re-build their lives? Of course. But taking money I and many others have earned to pay for a "feel good" reconstruction is sheer folly. Federal workers have, for the most part, worked for their retirement benefits. Also, the U.S. government is not private industry (thank goodness). Its product is service, not groveling, and I was proud to be a part of it. Now I'm even prouder to be free to comment on this and other threads.
-
12627
Maybe we should all strike. They are wanting to get rid of our jobs anyway.
-
12625
Our government is doomed. There are too many fricken lawyers/GOP's up there in the Congress/Senate and there is way too much politics in play. Meanwhile "we the people" don't get squat done for us. Have a nice day.
-
12615
To clueless
You are the ultimate in being clueless. We pay taxes, pay insurance, buy gasoline just like people that work in private industry. We CSRS employees paid more into our fund than Social Security employees or any private retirement fund. We are paid less than our counterparts in private industry because of our benefits. We retirees will end up paying more than you ever will with this hairbrained scheme. You are one of the ignorant that seem to think Federal workers are lazy and overpaid. I don't recall seeing you next to me in any of the jobs I have been working in. Many of us keep in mind that we are paid by taxpayers and work hard at our jobs. I can tell you that I have had more problems with incompetent people in private industry, particularly in the medical field, than I EVER have had in any form of government.
You need an anger management class.....how about a brain implant while you are at it.
-
12582
I have been reading how congress is trying to keep the federal government's ability to recruit and then retain good workers. Then the party in power comes up with statements and propose policies like this. Then I remember back several years to the last time the federal government was closed down because of political fighting between the white house and congress. As an emergency employee I had to cancel my Christmas vacation and missed out on one of the last times I would be able to see my parents alive. At that time a Republican Congressman was asked why politicans were not being treated like other federal employees; his response was classic I am not a federal employee. It is about time that the president and congress makes the same sacrafices that they mandate for those of us that actually run this country. George Bush is a multimillionaire as are many other elected officials. They can sacrafice pay and benefits a lot better than the rest of the federal employees can. I am eligble for retirement in a couple of years and do not see any reason to stay longer than my 20 years. Then my agency can pay for training, relocation, etc. for someone to replace me. This will not replace my knowledge and incite received from 20+ years of service. I know the people I in my office can not replace this knowledge and incite. Basicly, it will be a financial and professional loss to my agency for the 5 or so years I could have stayed.
-
12575
Dave,
While I agree about cutting their retirements, etc., please do not have our "leaders" (?) serve 20 years and be 72. We have way too many of them already. How about term limits of two and then maybe 10% for the 1st two years and then YOYO (you're on your own).
Ted
-
12552
Civil Service employees are just clueless as they completely fail to understand the modern economy. Most of them are in their 50s and foolishly started their careers decades ago under the misguided belief in working to serve the nation in areas such as national defense, criminal justice, social services, and foreign diplomacy. How such ignorant people can expect the current government leadership under our CEO Presidency to honor commitments to pay, retirement, and health benifits is amazing. Any businessman will tell you these are just labor expenses to be cut. As some earlier taxpayers pointed out in their previous comments, leading edge private industries have long ago dispensed with such quaint anacronisms. The bankrupt airline industry is a pioneer in the new US economy with its court sponsored pay cuts, health care abandoment, and jetisoned retirement obligations. This is the model to be emulated by the federal government to bring us in line with private industry.
Katrina has given an excellent opportunity to slash retirement costs, just as 9/11 provided the vehicle for slashing pay costs through the soon to be implemented NSPS system. Other plans are on the drawing board to cut Social Security and Medicare costs. Our current political leadership can be counted on to bring the country forward with proven CEO business models pioneered by Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, and Regis Cable TV.
-
12547
A few of these comments somehow leave me thinking that as a federal employee I don't pay taxes. Beyond those wanting to fund Katrina's relief effort on our backs, lets think about something WE PAY TAXES TOO. So there are those who will delay retirement, continue paying taxes, have benefit cuts and still get hammered about how great the feds have it. The civil servant feds aren't provided for in anywhere near the same category as the Congress, Senate and President. The GOP group calling for this action should be recalled, the pork-filled Highway bill stripped of things (like the road/bridge to nowhere in Alaska), everything on the table (including the tax cuts), delay in implementing the drug bill, etc. The federal employees/retirees can't be made the scapegoat for the political actions of those in power.
-
12546
I was browsing a used bookstore last week and opened up Will Rodger's autobiography from the 1920's. He talked about the federal government's reluctance to pay off debts when times were good. He posed the question, when is the time to pay off debt, if not when times are good?
-
12541
Dear Bureacrats
Good morning! I would not like to see this come, but if it does I would like to see real leadership and see this start from the top in each section of the government go to high five. I'm living in an apartment with only my wife and no dependents so I'll get the full of extent of this slap for my 30 years ( which I'll see in 18 Months). So please get it fair and correct. I'm the persisent civil servant who's plugging along.
Allen B. David WG-06
-
12527
I've got a better idea - stop paying Congress and the top 100 Executive Branch Officials for the rest of this year. They can absorb the loss much better than the federal workforce.
-
12522
It is time for the big boys, and girls, in Washington to shed some of their benefits and perks before even looking at the career civil service work force.
It takes a lifelong commitment to get what little that we earn. They only have to serve two terms and they walk away with 100% of their salary as an annuity when they leave office (do not even have to be retired).
I propose that the time has come to change their rules that they live by. No person, regardless of serving in Congress or the Senate, should have the ability to receive such admirable benefits. Their purpose is to serve and be the voice of the people. I say many, if not most, have their own personal agenda brewing and should not have the ability to walk away after eight years banking a six figure salary every year for the rest of their life. I believe they should put in 20 years minimum and be 72 years old to collect that generous benefit. In reality, the majority of them do not need the money as they are all already well off to begin with.
-
12518
Let me see if I have this right...I was A-76'd out of my job! Now me AND my family are going to be punished even more financially for something I had N O T H I N G to do with!!! CONGRESS, YOU COWARDLY THUGS!!! WHO ARE YOU GONNA BEAT UP AND STEAL FROM WHEN I'M BROKE?
-
12517
I am only 26 years old. One might say this will not effect me but I disagree. If our goverment makes this cut what cut will they make next. The more cuts they make the longer I will have to work before I can retire. I am sure there is another way to make cuts if they would look just a little harder. Why would our goverment want to just cut federal empolyee retirement. As much as we pay in taxes there should be money to help. I think if you take away from one group then you should take away from all not just federal employee.
-
12515
Why don't the congressman cut their own retirement pay? They have a lot more mony at retirement then I do. It seems like they always pick on the ones of us that break our backs for 20 years plus and get little to nothing in retirement pay. They have have the best retirement plan going as they keep all their pay after they retire. I'm tired of them always picking on the ones that can least affort it to stick it too.
-
12512
First they want to mess with Social Security and now Federal Retirement Benefits. Enough! I have relatives who live at the poverty level on Social Security and they would not know the first thing about investing in the Stock Market. Why should the Federal Retiree's pay for Katrina Recovery? Why not regain some of the funds FEMA so freely distributed without investigation in California? Who will be held responsible for this costly mistake? I'm sure there are other agencies that have abused the use of funds. Why not capture some of the money being spent on illegal aliens? They come to the U.S. to work and send their money out of the country, yet they do not pay taxes, they drive on our highways, send their kids to our schools, and receive medical assistance, all at the American taxpayer's expense.
-
12511
After reading the report, I find that I agree with almost all of the cost cutting recommendations. The only one that I disagree with is the one dealing with changing the "high 3" for retirement calculations to a "high 5" one.
I do agree that such a change would put federal employees in line with private sector employees. I believe the military made a similiar change.
The only problem that I see is the "changing the rules at the end of the game" concept. According to several articles, up to 50% of all federal employees will be eligible to retire within the next few years.
If this change was passed by Congress, how many eligible federal employees would immediately retire before the effective date? If even 1/2 of the eligible 50% did suddenly retire because of this change, what condition would the federal government suddenly find itself?
Would Social Security have enough employees to process benefits? Would Immigration be able to take care of the millions aliens? Would this exodus of federal employees degrade our level of homeland security?
Would federal law enforcement become temporarily non-existence?
It takes time and money to recruit and train good employees. Has the committee taken this into consideration of their cost savings?
-
12510
If the change from "High 3" to "High 5" years was for "to be hired" employees, then I would not have any complaint. It is like the change from CSRS to FERS. But to change it for those who have worked under the assumed "contract" is morally wrong. Just because it is legal, it doesn't make it right.
I will be eligible to retire in 20 months. Each day I become more and more convinced that I should retire the day I am eligible. Apparently, no one appreciates the work that I and other federal employees do. So why should I continue to try to do a good job?
ICE Agent
-
12509
I truly regret that the Republicans feel that we should have to foot the bill for everything because we are federal employees. I have already donated time, food, and money to help the victims of Katrina. I do not feel that it is right to change the rules for individuals that have worked as federal employees. It is bad enough that I am going to be penalized when I retire because I am a federal employee and will not be able to draw my full social security benefits now you are asking me to take a lower retirement check to foot the bill for a disaster that was caused by a hurricane. How many times do you expect the federal work force to be the billpayer for disasters?
-
12508
As a Federal employee and also a taxpayer, I believe the little people in this country should stop being the "billpayers". If Mr. Pence thinks it's okay to cut our retirement benefits, then he and every other Congressman, including the President and cabinet members, should also be willing to take a bigger reduction of their future retirement pensions and set a good example for us "little people" who are not nearly as well off. It's the same old story -- the rich just get richer and the poor just get poorer.
-
12506
To That Anonymous Taxpayer in Washington (probably AKA Mike Pence)
Thank you for your help. You probably were also the one to offer the advice to FEMA to stay out of New Orleans.
-
12504
How about if we force Congress to have the same retirement system, and other benefit systems, as the rest of the Federal employees -- seems to me we would save millions by doing this.
Let's let Pence and the rest of them that voted us into this debacle of debt to take the lead in making cuts to their own benefit systems first!
-
12502
The GOP group that called for these cuts are despicable. Other readers who think that we feds ought to be like the private sector are stupid. If I wanted to be in the private sector, I would have joined them when I left the Navy in 1980. I chose public service. This is a classic ploy of the vested rich. Play average people against one another to gain the advantage. We need to focus on raising taxes on the rich 2% of this country. They can afford it. Especially with King George running the show. If your're not a millionaire, the GOP doesn't care about you. Vote Democrat. At least a rich Democrat doesn't care if you make a little money. This outright attack on or benefits is just that. An attack. This is the only the 2nd President that I have worked for that has victimized its citizens. The 1st one was Reagan. And George....Your no Reagan. I don't beleive the GOP anymore. There all liars and cheats. That's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
-
12500
NOTICE! PLEASE READ THE STUDY REPORT. This Federal Retiree cut is just one of many recommendations that will really susprise you. Some aren't bad ideas and some are. Their recommendations will effect a lot of people and not just Federal employees and retirees. Their recommendations cover cuts to social, economic, enviromental, health, etc. A few of mention include charging federal employees for parking, eliminate LSC which sometimes helps federal employees gain additional monies from the government in law suits, lower USPS pension, etc. MY FAVORITE and the only one I found which directly effected our politicians was "Decline Member pay Raises". It states that a pay raise for members of Congress is automatic under existing law and goes on to say that amendments blocking its enactment were out of order during appropiations consideration this year. In light of unwarranted fiscal constraints, Members of Congress could (NOT WOULD) TEMPORARILY forgo their pay increases. Savings $24 million over 10 years. Don't hold your breath. No mention of cuts to their pension or benifits. These are proposals and I'll bet I know which ones will be implemented into law.
-
12499
As usual, our politicians are looking for government employees to pay to fix something that could have been less disastrous in the first place. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita and the damage incurred in those affected states, local and state agencies have not hired the brainpower to head them up. Hurricanes are a natural disaster, it's true, but people want to know they can rely on their elected officials for guidance in case of emergency (ICE). It is a gross insult to take monies away from retirees who have served their country, in uniform or not, at a time when they can least affort it. How about taking retirement monies from those overpaid and arrogant politicians, city and state officials who have NOT served their country well at all?
-
12497
While we're talking about cuts, why not look at deleting and/or decreasing benifits to retiring politicians and their spouses/suvivors. Let's re-calculate their outlandish retirement benifits. Most federal employees have to work 42 years to draw a maximum of 80%. Most politicians (even local) only need to work half of this time to draw 80-100% for the rest of their lives and upon their death their spouse will continue to draw the same amount. Most federal employees have to pay a large (ever increasing) sum for their health benifits while most politicians pay none of the cost. Since our government can't even afford to provide adequate security for our citizens, why not delete security for past presidents and spouses where there is no past history of attacks. Why not delete the excessive travel costs paid for politicians, their spouses and children. $5.2 billion over 10 YEARS isn't much when you look at how much our government is spending per day. Heh Pence, can you and the RSC tell us how much it would save the tax payers if MY ideas were implemented? I'll bet they never even considered those type of cost savings. As I've repeatedly stated several times on this site, our government is spending us down a long hard road and that sooner or later, we will have to pay up. I feel the retiree cuts are only the tip of the iceberg concerning cuts. Maybe ICEBERG is a bad metaphor since the greenhouse effect is predicted to cause many more of these natural disasters. Kitrina is being used as a excuse to implement these bad ideas but you and I know our prediciment is not just due to Kitrina but several issues one of which Republicians don't want to mention and that is the Bush war in Iraq. The monies spent on supplemental programs is another huge and continuous tax burden. The Committee didn't start this study "Operation Offset" better named "More Money for the Wealthy" after Hurricane Kitrina so why blame our deficit on Kitrina. Why didn't Republicians ask for federal retiree cuts to help offset the cost of the IRAQ war? Oh, that might make further distract from the war and make Bush mad. Where is all this heading? Simple! BIG RECESSION!
-
12492
Using retirement systems as a way to offset bad management decisions and poor spending only contributes to the problem I see as a bipartisan problem. we as a country need to be careful in how we fund the rebuilding and look at the suitability of the sites. This is a very graphic reason for using land to its capability and not building in unsuitable sites - in floodplains and wetlands. As a country we will continue to pay for those who do not and who refuse to understand the forces of nature.
-
12490
Why should you take away from the ones, like me, that worked all of their good healthy years for the governmant, to give to the largest welfare State in the USA? When we both know who's fault it was to bring unjust accusations against the Federal Government, because they didn't know how or couldn't do their job effectively. Leonard W. Childs, USN Ret.
-
12489
I do not agree with Mike Pence in regards to changing the Federal Retirees COLA. I worked for the federal government for almost 33 years. I feel sorry for the hurricane victims, but it is not my place nor my husband's to build them new homes and give them everything. My husband and I must carry homeowners insurance and insurance for our autos. If the government gives them everything this time then, everytime a hurricane hits people will expect the same.
When are people going to start taking care of themselves?
-
12488
If it is decided that this is necessary it should come as a FLAT TAX say 1% to 3% and should include any and all people receiving a Federal Pension. They should start with the former Presidents, Senators, Congressman, Judges and keep going until they reach the employee who just became a member of the Civil Service workforce. They should also include an expiration date that cannot be moved further into the future.
Stick it to all or none equally with a percentage cut.
-
12487
I don't see the correlation between federal annuity cuts and funding for Katrina... why is the expense falling on this one part of the population? I am a federal employee and a single mom, who can only affort to live in the metro DC area because I also have a military retirement pension. I guarantee you I am not rich nor will I ever be. If lawmakers want to volunteer one part of the population to fund this, let them volunteer part of their own fat and undeserved annuity! Otherwise, lets cut what's truly "fat" or spread the assistance to involve not only the federal employees.
-
12486
Let the GOP find all of the money that injured federal employees are being illegally denied by the Labor Department. That should add up to a considerable amount. What about all of the Social Security benefits that claimants are wrongfully denied? That should pay for a lot of rebuilding. Then there's all the money that gets wasted by incompetant federal managers. That would pay for the repairs and then some.
The problem is with the Congress, let them pay for it.
-
12484
I don't think the "idea people" have thought about the implications of such a plan. At SSA there would be a mass exodus of employees eligible to retire. SSA has been very lax about recruiting and training employees. It surely would have a devastating affect on the agency. I am guessing most other federal agencies would be in a similar fix.
-
12483
Mr. big time gentleman!!!! Put a window in your stomach as it is evident where your head is. Why don't you be a big man and get up off your own retirement???? How long do you have to work to get all the benifits that you will receive when you retire??? You should be embarassed to even suggest taking the retirement of those of us who have worked all our lives in defense of this great country. What do you get for your benfits??? I bet you have given yourself over $100,000 a year with full benifits for dental and vision for you and your wife and it wouldn't supprise me if it doesn't increase 20% every year. You need to be fired for what you want to do to the hard workers in the federal service. I don't who you represent but people like you need to be fired with no benefits. I work in California and I can tell you right now. I will never vote Republican. Let us know who else is involved in this rip off and since you people work for us...maybe we can see that you don't in the future.
-
12481
Employees get the Blame. Clearly the Congress needs to do some real work. They pontificate and criticize, and then try to take out the Funds of the hard working people who really make this Country work.T ry getting rid of your Pork Barrell ways relative to the Highway Bill. And what about the NEA,so-called Arts Spending. What a farce. Get off of our Benefits. After all we worked all these years contributing to our Retirement and now you want to reduce it when so many are ready to retire. You are a disgrace. Do you ever keep your word?The money you spend is ours,not yours. How dare you grab our Retirement again. After all you are only part-time employees and can be replaced. Leave us alone stop your spending like mad people. This is a very sad proposal
-
12478
Why are you singling Retired Federal Workers out? There are millions of other people in the country who make a heck of alot more money than we do! I personally did not cause Hurricane Katrina and wasn't one of the politicians that voted against repairing the levees when there was still time. I am coming up on my 20th year in Civil Service and will be retiring soon myself. I've worked hard for this retirement and for you to even suggest taking more of it than you already do is ludicrous! I say, find it somewhere else. How about out of your wealthy pockets?
-
12476
A Taxpayer doesn't have a clue! Government employees could make more money outside of the Government. Let's take your retirement dollars then! How dare you think that government employees have it so easy. We have a good benefit package and we were smart enough to get a job for those benefits. Get real. We could make more money in the private sector but our benefits make up for the lower wages. You don't know what you are talking about. Maybe your company will go bankrupt or your company execs will run off with all your retirement money, then let us see you spouting off...
-
12475
The neocons have gotten us into a fine mess! The greatest country in the world is now bankrupt. Even John McCain, a potential Republican Presidential candidate in 2008, cannot stomach the neocons' unbridled addiction to pork.
Katrina is just the latest excuse to slam middle-class federal employees. Surely you remember this neocon quote to justify more contracting out, "The government does not owe you lifetime employment". Apparently, the neocons do not owe you a decent retirement either.
I-R-A-Q has become a new 4-letter word. How many more lives and how much more money will be poured down that rat hole to enrich Halliburton, Kellog Brown & Root, Bechtel--the same corporate giants that made so much money off of Vietnam?
The neocons take care of their base (e.g., rich, Texas oil cartel, Saudis, etc). What I cannot understand is how so many of our fellow citizens continue to be misled by the neocons and their media mouthpiece, FOX.
Generations of Americans, including dedicated and hard-working federal employees, will pay for the neocons' self-serving actions.
-
12472
Let me, as a "better-off baby boomer", put in a word here. One reason I work for the government is precisely BECAUSE there has been so much instability in the workplace during my adult life. This evidences good judgement (as well as good luck) and I see no reason we should be punished for it. I am not responsible for poor management practices in the private sector, the oil crisis of the early 70s, corporate greed, or anything else beyond my control. If "A taxpayer" thinks people like me have had things given to them all their lives, I'll put my health history up against his and we'll see. As to retirement, mine is now uncertain because of changes in retirement practices and policies enacted by those who will never have to worry about it. Incidentally, I am "a taxpayer", too.
-
12471
I might be willing to give up a portion of my retirement if Congress were willing to take a reduction that was comparable (by percent of reduction) to mine. Instead, Congress votes themselves raises in order to ensure their retirement is adequate. Congress couldn't get at retirement through the new personnel system, so now they are using any means possible. If the government needs a new personnel system to attract the best and the brightest, they have to be willing to pay for, which obviously Congress is not.
-
12469
This is simply apalling. I don't suppose it would occur to these republicans to offer to reduce their own pensions. Or roll back the tax cuts they gave themselves. Or their latest pay increase. Or keep the estate tax. Shared sacrifice? Not going to happen on this administration's watch.
This is beyond shameful. I urge everyone to check out the membership of this committee, and write them.
Disgusted federal employee
-
12468
I have spent many years working towards my retirement. In places that these people have never heard or if they have they only fly over, and in first class seats. Who in the heck do they think they are to say we should take pay cuts? I have never heard of Congress, the Senate, the Cabinet or the President taking any pay cuts, when that happens I might consider taking a reduction. Until then not no, but hell no! As one writer noted these people are all well to do and have no idea what we have to go through to pay for day to day living. Just to get our teeth fixed we have to pay for months. We do not get free medical, dental, travel, all the under the table and illegal benefits they get. I have always been independent, but voted towards the GOP, never again. I will vote for a "yellow dog" before I vote for the GOP again. This is the most uncaring, ignorant, corrupt administration I have seen in my life. 8 years of Bill were far better then these 5 years of King Bush. I will do whatever I can to keep the GOP out of power, in addition I would like to see this whole administration fired. "taxpayer" you talk like someone who likes to believe they are intelligent, but then you open your mouth.
-
12467
I want to know the names of the "representatives" that made this proposal so we can remember them when they go for re-elction. GovExec, please dig a little deeper and provide them.
-
12466
I suggest cutting back on the hundreds of billions of dollars spent each year on the welfare system with all its hidden programs, cutting back on the outrageous costs of housing prisoners, and stop benefits to illegal aliens.
-
12465
I wish all of you would stop crying about your precious retirements. Half of you voted for Bush. Now here is your reward. Have fun during retirement! I couldn't be happier.
-
12464
Our politicians need to be replaced. Our situation here in the US is declining. I thought we put those politicians in place to help our situation. Instead the politicians are helping their own situation. They seem to be part of the problem and not the solution. There are other areas that could be cut before Federal retirement benefits. Every state has proposed projects that need to be funded Federally that the senators are not willing to cut. They are projects that are insignificant to our cause, funding for Katrina and the economy. For instance, funding a museum in some state is at this time insignificant. Yes I know it will bring jobs in that state,; however, our failing economy and excessive Federal spending has to be fixed now. Some projects are going to have to be put on the back burner. Cutting Federal retirees' benefits should not be the first to be cut. At some point, I am sure they will be cut, just not right now. Welfare for the rich can also go before cutting Federal retirees' benefits. The rich have benefits that the average person cannot get. Can they sacrifice? I guess not. They have they politicians working hard for them. Some of the politicians are the rich, so what are we thinking trying to get them to cut benefits from themselves. Not going to happen. The average taxpayer, to include the Federal retirees, is already taking the bulk of a hit with paying for the war on terrorism. How much more can we take? The rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. That is the American way.
-
12462
What idiots we have on that commitee. Why not just cutout all benefits of those in Congress who voted themselves into the retirement system and leave all those who are true civil servants with a relatively decent retirement program. That would save much more money and force Congress members to put some of their money into IRAs like the rest of us have to do to supplement our retirement! I have been a Republican all my life, but somehow, I don't think I am voting Republican in the next congressional election.
-
12460
What a load of crap! And just what do future federal employee retirement payments and Katrina relief have in common? The people who want to gut the retirements for millions of hard-working people are just using this as an excuse to forward their agenda.
-
12459
Just about the time I thnk I've seen or heard all the ludicrous psycho-babble the Beltway can drum up, along comes another big helping of excrement from the political sphincter known to all as the House. The members of the RSC ought to be lobotomized over this! I, along with thousands of other current or retired federal employees, find this latest debacle to be insulting, demoralizing, and flat-out unconscionable; to cut our retirement annuities that we have worked diligently to accrue so we can again foot the bill for some other lost cause. I, by no means, take away from the suffering and loss of those hit by Katrina but let's take a closer look at the lineup.
If you want to save money, let's start by getting rid of all those liberal social pork programs that are nothing more than "warm and fuzzy, feel good" facades which only serve to further government hand-outs. Let's cut off the all the foreign aid to those countries who have no interest in helping us, who despise the U.S. and all it stands for, and who only show up with their hands out (besides the fact that the money never gets spent where it's supposed to). Let's make all the countries we foot the bill for to rebuild after WWII cough up the back payments...just think of the interest on that figure. Last, but most important, call the state and local leaders of the afflicted areas on the carpet and tell them it's time to reach into their pockets and use that federal subsidy money they've been skimming for decades and rebuild their own playground (anybody in New Orleans or Baton Rouge listening?). After all, part of the reason they ended up in the drink was because the millions of dollars slated for levee and flood control improvements went into local, state and federal politicians' bank accounts disguised as "civic improvements". I am appalled at the Republican Party for this idea but, before you start sharpening your scalping knives, the Democrats better start taking a closer look at their own malfeasance.
-
12457
Notice, people. These are the same lawmakers who want tax cuts made permanent for the wealthy because that will increase spending and help the economy. Federal employees are already paid 20% or more below their civilian counterparts, so we have already paid our dues in "saving" the taxpayers money. We got tired of "setting the example" during the Carter administration. Now I notice someone wants us to join the crowd of people whose retirement benefits have been cut. Where were you when our benefits were being cut every year for the past 30 plus years?
-
12455
To the "taxpayer" in D.C. and all the other taxpayers - FEDERAL EMPLOYEES are taxpayers, too! Get off our backs. With the current administration's zeal to outsource and/or contract out federal jobs, how do they think cutting our benefits is going to help offset anything? More money could be raised by passing a general sales tax -that way, EVERYBODY would pay. There are plenty of people out there who pay no taxes whatsoever, and this would be a more fair approach.
DOD Employee
-
12454
Why should anybody be surprised by this proposal?
The sad part is you could strip federal employees of their entire pensions and it won't make a bit of difference.
The only thing that can make a difference at this point is revenue-- and lots of it really fast. But this administration is incapable of raising taxes even in the face of financial ruin. They just keep trying to borrow their way out of the hole digging it deeper and deeper and hoping the economy turns around-- voodoo economics at its best.
So they spend and spend our children's and grandchildren's money in a shameless display of avarice.
I was raised that you pay your bills or you stop spending if times get tough-- you never, ever borrow beyond your means. Americans have racked up the biggest debts in US history and the US government mirrors this same approach.
So much for Republican fiscal conservative prudence!!
-
12453
I agree with the first person. I wonder how long the suggestion would stay on the table if it effected those in senate or congress who are retired. I bet they aren't talking about themselves. Like always, they are trying to take money from the people who can least afford to give it. My heart goes out to the victims of Katrina, but this is not the answer.
-
12451
As a Republican , Federal employee and military veteran with 25 years gov experience, I am insulted by Rep. Pence and the House Reublican Study Committee. Maybe these buffoons ought to volunteer and give up their subsidized lunches and other perks of being a congressman on the hill for a start to " offest" the Katrina give away package. Next give back some of their Government salary that the( Republican Study Committee) earn for working just 8 or 9 months of the year. The rest of the time these political " hacks" are either enjoying free golf trips to Scotland, paid for by beltway lobbyists or living on Yachts provided by their contributors or gov contractors. Oh, and by the way, where does it say in the US constitution that that the govt. has the right to use my Federal tax dollars to rebuild someone elses city, including private residences lost in a natural disaster? Were not including FEMA insurance in this statement. I thought this is where local business and state government groups got together and rebuild, kind of like the LA eartquake, San Francisco earthquake, etc. Once again this administration is writing checks for things it cant afford or pay for. If I did this with my own personal checks, I could go to jail, its called fraud. Shameful !
-
12450
How much would be saved if Congress applied those same rules to their retirement...and oh, by the way, why isn't their retirement comparable to the retirement of the federal employees they are talking about cutting?
-
12446
Another really stupid idea from our great Congress. They always change the rules for retirement after the people have established financial programs to fund retirement. They delay social security benefits and change the medical and income benefits for civil service workers long after we have established our retirement program. This type of change is too late for many that have been building savings programs around the rules of retirement that existed when they were hired. If this change goes through and impacts me personally, I will sue the government for the difference over my expected life plus penalties. That will cost the governemnt more than they will save.
Every civil service worker should write their Congress person and let them know now how stupid this proposal is! It is not the job of federal employees to fund the recovery of new Orleans. Congress should take back the aid it approved for Iraq, stop any tax cuts for the future, and stop messing with potential retirement income. These Congress people are supposed to represent Americans not foreigners!
We have to get rid of guys like this in Congress and that only will be done with term limits because the guys in office give away our tax money to buy votes - just look at the last base closure commission and the Congressional impact from the real military decisions. Congress has screwed us by changing the IRA requirements long after we started saving for retirement and now they want to screw us by lowering our retirement benefits. Because they even considered this they are incompetent. If they are stupid enough to implement this it only should apply to new hires and not those of us that have financial plans that depend upon this income. HOW STUPID CAN THEY GET! NEVER TRUST YOUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!
-
12443
I suggest that they start by cutting the pensions of Congress and the President and Vice president! Now there's a good place to cut back without doing any harm.
-
12441
They were thinking about doing this months ago. Why don't you cut you own pay and leave those poor retirees alone?
-
12437
what is the GOP going to give up personally ? and the idiot President we have ?
-
12435
Cifford:
You say you are a republican, AND a federal employee?
You still don't get it.
G.W. is the Anti-Christ. The bible tells us many will not recognize him. You obviously don't recognize it either.
This administration is so anti-employee, it takes us back to the 19th century for the politicalization of the workforce, the favors granted to fairhaired children, the busting of the Unions, the reduction in retirement and health care is just a small, small part of the entire plan to destroy America.
If you still consider yourself a republican, please open your eyes. There is nothing in the republican party to help move America forward. Only back to the era of slave labor and plantation owners.
Wake up already.
-
12434
The majority of people who would only have 20 years would more than likely be persons in the FERS retirement program. It is obvious that these are the ones being considered for the higher premiums. The personnel who worked as part-time employees those 20 years get a much lower annunity than most others and many of these employees are military retirees. If you think about it, these are more than likely the persons these 100 classified moronic politicians are really after.
-
12432
You can expect anything from a screwball politician from Indiana. Let's suggest that we take away the law that allows any politician a pension, who only completes one term, as it is now. Let's encourage a law that insists that all politicians have at least 20 years of political (federal only) service before they are allowed a pension. Let's insist they pay 65% of their medical premiums while in office and insist they not be given treatment free in Walter Reed or other intended, military medical facilities. We need to insist that investigations be conducted on all payments made to Haliburton in connection with the IRAQ war, to include Cheney and his cohorts.
-
12431
To a taxpayer in Washington DC.
Federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System paid way more of a percentage into their retirement fund than was paid into Social Security. You need to get your facts straight before you start with you hate filled rantings against Fed workers. I will lose my job under BRAC, have to take a cut in age and time, now I will have to pay double you do to help pay to rebuild a city that will go underwater in probably 20 more years, plus they want to penalize me for under 20 years of service for health benefits, throw in NSPS and I am hosed.
Your ingorance is only exceeded by your stupidity. And for all you supporters of the Democrats, you better pay attention to which Democrats will vote for this kind of idiotic law. It will take them to pass this, just like NSPS.
-
12430
I am stunned by this proposal. I've said it before, I'll say it again! VOTE!!
And to "Taxpayer" - I am newly retired after 38 years of service so I have a very good retirement benefit. I worked hard, I tried to make a difference every day, sometimes I won, sometimes I lost. I do not apologize for having a good retirement system. However, have you looked at what younger workers can expect? Their retirement benefits could be good, could be bad, depending on market fluctuation and their investment strategies. Quite frankly, it could be nothing. If you think that retirement plan is appealing, you've got blinders on.
The Republicans currently in office are going to break the backs of this nation in a number of ways and this is only one of them. By the time the full impact is known, it will take decades to fix, assuming elected officials and the President at that time are savvy enough to do it. VOTE!!
And here's a tip............when Jeb Bush runs (oh come on, you know he will someday) VOTE AGAINST HIM!!
-
12429
We already took a hit by getting the FERS retirement system in the 80s, glaringly inferior to the previous CSRS system (also done under GOP by the way). There won't be any Social Security money available by the time we retire. Hit the state, county, and local Govt's lavish spending on their free all expense paid commuter cars, retirement system (teachers especially), no fee paid usage of county golf courses, beaches, etc.
As for DC taxpayer's "Misery loves comfort" approach to making this a third world country, sure, two wrongs make a right. BTW, does that mean we can also start earning higher private sector wages too, or do we just get to reap the bad aspects? My "dispensible income" affords us a luxurious 1 bedroom Apt over 30yrs old, complete with roaches, in an area of town with high burglaries.
-
12428
I don't know where people think a Federal Employee has such a great retirement. If you have 30-35 yrs in you might do OK, but with only 20-23 years, I'll be lucky to get $700 a month after taxes, medical, survivor benefits etc. I would recommend cutting the GOP's salaries, retirements, jobs, etc. Save money by bringing our men/women home. We spend Billions everyday over there. There are hundreds of ways to save money. But, if they mess with our retirements they will be getting voted out. Seems the higher up they are, the dumber they get.
-
12427
Don't blame the career fed employees for the actions of an appointee. Career feds were ready to go. Acting Asst. Sec (career agent)for ICE offered 400 agents to FEMA/DHS to go immediately into LA/MS to help but was told they were not needed. A week later they were sent in. Look who is now in charge of the Katrina OPS a career USCG admiral! As to how to fund Katrina and soon Rita rebuilding, charity begins at home, let the politicians give up some pork projects or their benefits! Who needs a domed rainforest in Montana?! They get a lifetime of retirement benefits for limited service, I worked 30 years for mine!
-
12426
Great!!!!! Waited 33 years to retire on 12/30/05, and now they want to take what would be for me 20% of my monthly retirement income. Not only that but my health care is going up 15%. This situation really sums up treatment of Federal employees over the last thirty years. Five billion in savings from this over ten years is ridiculous. Katrina restoration is estimated to cost 200 billion dollars. Time for congress to look at the recently passed Federal Highways Bill, 200 billion. Hey guys you might want to consider spreading out the spending on that one over a ten year period.
-
12424
There are many other ways to free up our tax dollars. Make the OIG's more proactive in going after fraud, waste and abuse. Does the Department of Veterans Affairs really need 2,000 federal police officers to protect the VA Hospitals? Why cant the VA use lower cost contract guards like they now have at most US military installations? Take a hard look at all the senior civilians and military personnel who have "excetive protective details" with armed agents and armored cars. The Secretary of Education has her own personal security detail that includes retired Secert Service Agents. The lead Agent draws retirement pay plus a GS-15 salary from the Education Department. He makes more than the Secretary he is protecting.
-
12423
They say they need to change civil service to attract the best, well this shows that to be true don't it. Spend your life working for your country to get a reduced retirement again, when the King and his JESTERS need to come up with money; easy raid the retirement money of the government employee's, let's charge them more for medical and reduce the benifits, hey we will even charge them to park now! Hey we can even break the unions and pay less and treat them worse then we do all ready, and you might as well toughen up the HATCH AX ( act ) to keep them quiet. The big money savings can be got through not taking care of those injuried on the job. We can just appoint someone to a job since they dont need experince,only need to Know the King or Jesters . Best of all when you decide to spend your life with the Government you will find this is only the begining and you will cower like most of them and allow it to happen. Welcome to the BEST and BRIGHTIST as the WIND Blows
-
12422
These bullies need to pick on people their own size.
I like to know what their contribution is......and what kind of cuts they are taking.
-
12421
Here is my counterproposal: Any Congressman or Senator should be the first on line to give up their retirement benefits to fund hurricane relief. This should take precedence over taking away the hard-earned benefits of federal workers who spend their whole careers working for this country, unlike most politicians, who only serve for a term or two, before going back to their lucrative private sector careers. Why should politicians benefit from serving only a relatively short time in an elected office, which qualifies them for a large pension, health benefits, etc.?
Before you start talking about cutting our benefits, look there first!
-
12420
Do you think Congress pays for its parking spaces on Capitol Hill? Do you think they pay for their primo parking spaces at Reagan-National airport? (Answer to both is NO)
I read somewhere that a Congressman only has to serve one term (2 years) to be *vested* in their generous (not FERS or Soc Sec) retirement system. Why don't we raise this to two terms? Do I hear three? (For Senators and House members) You must win reelection a couple times to be vested. (No, not likely) He or she who writes the rules...
-
12419
Another assault on the middle class by the Republican congress. I am sure that they will try to "spin" this story to hide their true intent. It is important for all Federal employees to share this story with all of our collegues so that we can all be informed voters in the upcoming elections.
-
12413
What a wonderful idea!!! Mr. Pence thinks government employees are less deserving of a pension than the 1% of the country's richest people are of a trillion dollar tax cut. Typical of the republican party. If any of you ever had a question as to where the republican party's loyaties lie, this article should clear your mind.
Take away pension benefits, reduce health benefits and preserve tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, keep borrowing billions of dollars for a war without an idea.
Shameful people in the REPUBLICAN party.
Lets try this one, reduce the pay and benefits of any politician or political appointee by 20% for each year under 100 years of service. If they really believe cutting pay of pensions and benefits of retirees is the way to go they should not have any problem with this remedy for the shortfall.
Since Mr. Pence brought up the idea I am positive he will volunteer to be the first American in line to have this excellent policy signed into law.
-
12412
The proposal to change the calculations is something some House members have been trying to do for years. To make the proposal at this point in time and seemingly on the backs of the hurricane survivors and federal rescue/recovery workers is in poor taste. You'll agree that I say this very nicely compared to the other forthcoming comments about this proposal.
-
12409
I think this is a sensible idea and fair approach. The taxpayers won't bear the burden of the expense and the federal workforce will start experiencing what the private workers have been already hit with (reduced retirement benefits --join the club). Today's baby boomer generation of retirees have been better off financially than previous (and future generations) in terms of dispensible income. I think this is the best approach and fair that federal retirees share the same experiences that private retirees face (look at the airlines pension plans).
-
12404
More hate of the Federal employees. Feds should join the unions, pay dues and punish our enemies.
I suggest a tax on the excess profits that the republican controlled oil companies made during the storm.
Feds fight back.
-
12402
How dare they act like the federal retirees are overcompensated! If they want to save money, stop paying millions of dollars for idiotic 'bridges to nowhere' named after powerful Alaskan senators, and the thousands of other stupid projects that waste our money. Give incentives to agency employees to find ways to cut costs, and then IMPLEMENT those money saving ideas.
-
12400
Sick, sick, sick people. It's time to "cut" the GOP !! What a bunch of low life thieves. Do you think they really depend on Gov't retirement and health benefits to survive ??? They're all rich lawyers that would sell their only child if they can make a buck or rip off the middle class some more. What low lifes !!
-
12396
As a Republican and a federal employee, if the Congress and Senate tries to cut employees and retirees benefits, I will do everything I can to get those Senators and Representatives voted out of office!! It's a sad situation in the Gulf states but I didn't tell them to live there. It wasn't me or my fellow federal employees that took federal money and criminally failed to use it for upgrading the levees. The state should foot the bill not the federal government.
If I may borrow from one of the original US flags, don't tread on us (me).
-
12391
Why do government workers always have to be the "fall guy?" Oh yeah I forgot, we the government are the ones that screwed up!
PROMO RIGHT: EVENTS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NOVEMBER 18
Speed bumps for Teleworking: What are they and how to avoid them?
DECEMBER 3
Achieve Program Success: Unlock the Management Information in Your Data
DECEMBER 10
Practical Transparency: Applying Exchange Networks for Mission Results
PROMO RIGHT: DIRECTORIES
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.