Should elected and appointed Federal Officials have the same benefits package as Civil Service employees (as a means to control costs)?

2017-03-10T11:01:38-05:00

Example: The President's basic pay is $400,000 per year. Currently retired President gets $201,700 per year, which is the pay rate for highest paid civilian political appointee, e.g., Cabinet Secretary. Should this change to 1% per year of service based on high-three years of salary. About $36,000 per year retirement for an 8-year President. Also same Civil Service insurance packages while serving and later when retired. Also apply to VP, Senators, Members of House, all political appointees, and Federal Judges.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 11:15 AM

2017-03-10T11:15:16-05:00

I've got to work 20 years or until I'm at least 60 to be able to collect any sort of retirement. Why should any of these people get a lifetime salary for serving in there position from 2-6 years (minimum depending on position)?

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Mar 10 at 2017 11:39 AM

2017-03-10T11:39:27-05:00

That REALLY bothers me they get FREE MEDICAL FOR LIFE, when us "little folk" have to pay PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES.....I think the options should be either:
we get the same medical coverage as Government officials
OR
They get OUR MEDICAL COVERAGE

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Mar 10 at 2017 12:40 PM

2017-03-10T12:40:25-05:00

I would base it on a program more like the VA Pension Program for war time veterans. Keep it at the existing rate/year, but reduce it by any other income. If a former President is making $5,000,000/year from book and speaking engagements, then they receive no income from the government. If they are receiving less than $XXX,XXX/year they get paid the difference to bring them up to that level.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Mar 10 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-03-10T12:41:15-05:00

After the plane crash of U S Senator Paul Wellstone 11 days prior to the election, Gov. Ventura place an independent candidate to fill Senator Wellstone's seat. Dean Barkley served from November 4, 2002 – January 3, 2003. In a conversation on Public Radio, he stated "he has lifetime privileges to go on the Senate floor? Even if you're a lobbyist?, even if you serve as a Senator for ONE DAY".

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Mar 10 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-03-10T15:14:15-05:00

No, I would not change the pay for former Presidents. We don't want them showing up on Celebrity Jeopardy or signing autographs at Comic Con for a living. However, there might be a clause dramatically reducing their retirement pay if they make over a set amount of money for the year.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 11 at 2017 12:45 AM

2017-03-11T00:45:57-05:00

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 13 at 2017 12:41 AM

2017-03-13T00:41:38-04:00