Deseret News | Matheson again fights automatic pay hike

Reader comments
Matheson again fights automatic pay hike

191 comments | Read story

Ty Harris | 6:14 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I can't believe some of you people are bashing this guy and questioning his motives. The fact that he is scoring political points for grandstanding doesnt change the fact that he's right, you know. Let's be intellectually honest and judge his ideas based on the MERITS of what he proposes please. Many people have lost half their life savings that they had in 401K's, and the housing and banking crisis has wiped out trillions of dollars in personal wealth. They are getting ready to waste ANOTHER trillion dollars on earmarks and pork-barrel "stimulus", and we still don't have realistic trade, immigration, budget, education, entitlement, or energy policies. The Titanic is sinking, and the sailors that steered us into this iceberg at full speed want a raise?!!! The unmitigated gall is breathtaking! I think that congressional salary should be rigidly indexed to the average american income, and reduced based on how much national debt is owed- on average- by every american family. That way when we do well, they do well. When we do poorly, so do they. This gives them a carrot AND a stick. And the stick is what has been missing here.

Mike | 6:15 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Sounds like the only guy that deserves a raise is asking to asking to halt the automatic raises.

These pinheads in congress, I'll call them the ruling class, likely think that "for the people", means keeping themselves indulged in all the finest so they can make great decisions.

Not to mention that they are asleep at the wheel, and they work what, 9 days a year?

jelli | 6:15 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

What do they need a pay raise for anyway? Most of them are Millionaires...

Comments continue below

Robin | 6:15 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

When Congress was first formed, THEY DID NOT GET PAID. During the depression, Congress voted themselves a salaray and have kept up that 'tradition' since. In 1983, Congress voted themselves a 30% pay raise. Are you seeing a trend? This is why every election gets nastier and nastier. Lets not forget they also get a really nice retirement package, medical etc. No wonder they fight so hard to get into office. Now, who foots the bill? WE DO!! Why? Because they are supposed to be doing what 'WE THE PEOPLE' want them to. Now, the million dollar question. Do they do as we want? NO!!! They do whatever will get them the most 'pork' for them and their 'friends'. So the next time you hear someone saying Obama is for 'change' remember he is just another lying theiving politician. If you want change, get rid of all the benefits and perks they get. Then the people who actually want to help our country may actually run for office. OR NOT!!! lol

i'mjam | 6:17 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

This is part of a much larger abuse/misuse of our tax money. How do I join Citizens Against Government Waste?

Ty Harris | 6:20 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I echo the calls by Woodie for term limits. We need to stop making Congress a lifetime career. It needs to be about service. Period. You do your two years and you go home. I would rather be governed by 435 randomly selected people from the phone book than by these idiots. Time to send them home- permanently. We'll need a Constitutional Convention to make it happen though- no way these guys will kill the goose laying the golden eggs for them. Why would they? And if we are going to go to the trouble to have a constitutional convention, let's throw in a balanced budget amendment while we are at it...

AnnoyedCitizen | 6:20 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Congress is demanding that Wall Streeters forgo their bonuses, how can they justify a raise for themselves?

They're performance in 2008 is no better than any of the Wall streeters they love to villify

taxpayer | 6:22 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

He must be a Republican. He was identified simply by his name. If this honorable member of Congress were a Democrat the story would begin: "Democrat Congressman......"

sigh....

Eric in NJ | 6:25 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

ahhhh the democratic congress- just as Pelosi promised!

Lito J. Torres | 6:26 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

They wanted corporate executives to work for $1.00 a year. I think congress needed to follow what they preach and give up some expensive personal airplane service like what the speaker of the house have.

jas | 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Why do Americans put up with their government's parasitic nature and creative new taxations? Haven't We the fortitude to shut these elected dependents down and send them home to the real world that we all live in? This would leave more of our hard earned money for us to take care of ourselves. Don't we realize that so much of this pork simply pays for the autocracy and never reaches its intentions. This is the obvious flaw of Socialism. The mindset of America is Socialism and I am disgusted with the way most Americans cry out for it.
Time To Through Them All Out! Is It time For Civil Disobedience.... Civil War? They don't listen to the people any longer. Their ears are tied to special interests where money is to be made.

Anonymous | 6:32 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

There should be a grass roots uprising over this counter-productive raise in these atrocious economic times.
Taylor

Veritas | 6:34 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Remember, remember the fifth of November.

Copano_Texian | 6:39 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

They dont pay their taxes or balance their checkbooks, tell us its patriotic to pay higher taxe, that we need to do more with less, give billions of our childrens money to their buddies to steal, then give themselves a raise. we need to get rid of congress and the senate, they are all so corrupt it makes me sick. obama, i bet blogo brings him down.

DPeters | 6:42 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Let's talk about a pay-cut.

SueD | 6:51 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

The majority of Americans voted for this administration. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they are getting what they voted for and more to come.

Jason | 6:54 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

The idea that congress would give themselves raises that are substantially higher than the "cost of living" inflation projections is not only hypocritical, but also tantamount to the same sort of greed that corporate executives have exhibited in the very recent past.

Congress, who is supposed to be a total representation of our country should be subject to the rest of the countries trends as well.

observer | 6:54 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Diversion tactic only.

JO | 6:59 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

When the members of Congress get a pay raise, the federal workers and retired folks also get a raise and they need the higher compensation at this time.

Anonymous | 6:57 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Only reason i support it is my pay raise as a member of the military is tied to their raise.

Gabriel | 7:04 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I have been without work for the last two weeks and have'nt got word of anything until mid- Janurary. Christmas was tough this year and these BOZO's who have the lowest approval rating ever and while we are going through difficult finacial times as a country are giving themselves a raise. Talk about political corruption, I would never fight or defend this country, I would only fight to take it back!

Chris | 7:05 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

While I somewhat agree that good people would not run for Congress because of the big pay cut, $160,000 plus for a job that has an aweful lot of "vacation" time and limitless "perks", and don't forget, the lifetime of free healthcare, I think our Congress members are doing all right.

Anonymous | 7:15 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

FIRE THEM ALL.....

Must be nice | 7:17 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I wish I got an automatice pay raise each year over 4 grand. I work for minimum wage and I dont get raises. There is no reason congress should make that much money. I say pay them minimum wage to weed out all politicians who are doing it for something other then service. Plus if the government say 6 bucks an hour is enough to live on then it must be true right? I have enough money for everything I need. Well besides medical benefits, but the government gives me that. Oh and sometimes I cant afford food, thank god I get food stamps. Once in awhile I cant pay my rent but luckily I get housing assistance. My kids dont always have food for lunch but the school gives it to them. So obviously I can afford to survive on minimum wage, I think the members of congress can survive without their automatic raise.

Driver-MO | 7:16 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Thank You Mr.Matheson!!! Its refreshing to see at least one honest person in washington with morals, and not completely indulged in greed and corruption.

Texas Rose | 7:16 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

THEY WORK FOR ME AND I WILL LET THEM KNOW WHEN THEY CAN HAVE A RAISE!!!! HA, HA!! They don't pay Social Security, WE pay for their medical care...and when they retire, they continue to take their usual salary, for heaven's sake!!! WHY do you send people like Pelosi, Reid, and Kennedy back forever and ever? TERM LIMITS ARE A MUST!!! (But they will NEVER vote for THAT. They have found the golden goose....US)!!!

Joan | 7:21 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

It is unconscionable that Congress would vote a pay raise for themselves when Americans are being asked to tighten their belts and that their approval rating is lowest in history!! Member of Congress are there to represent THEIR constituents!! I will remember this when re-election comes around.

ms Emily | 7:22 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Congress ..WAKE UP! Quit living in La La Land . This country is two hairs from a depression. You want a raise ?.. Forget it ! Take a pay cut.. Our goverment officials in congress are just as bad as those CEO's ..Living high on the hog and regular people.. barely have money for their medicine.Feel our Pain..

Michigan Citizen | 7:31 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

If this was a Republican controlled congress, this story would be on the front page of Time and The New York Times for a month.

DEMHATER | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Think this Congress is bad? Wait until the next one - more taxes, less jobs, more illegal immigrants taking what few jobs that are avialable, plus a million LEGAL immigrants a year doing the same. State gov'ts will still run short of cash. You dopes who elected someone with no experience at anything will live to regret it - already the Messiah has shown he can do nothing except bring in Clintonistas, break promises on Iraq, tax cuts, Guantanomo etc. The Messiah knows nothing about running anything, can't speak at all when he gets off script, and is unfortunately going to be far worse than the guy he is replacing, Not that we had a choice with McLame....

G | 7:33 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I can't remember the last time Congress would have earned a raise. As a group, Congress hasn't done a thing but raided our tax $$ for their pork. But also blame those who vote for such incompetents in the first place. Who votes for the Barney Franks, Dobbs, Reid, Pelosi, etc. etc? Who are these people who make possible this political environment in which we are so stuck??

dug | 7:40 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Gov officials make me SICK!

Tired of corruption | 7:40 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

When did public service entitle you to substantail wealth from the tax payers year after year. For life not including benifits or the lucritive deals they make when they leave.
$169,000 a year. Please, what has anyone of them done to earn even one third of that.
Can someone justify this to me?
They are there to sereve , not to dictate who gets to be a millionare.
They should have no pay raises, never.

TonyO | 7:42 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Awe, come on congress. Why don't you be patriotic like Joe Biden says? Hey, why don't you spread some of your wealth around? I know my company won't be giving out any increases this year.

james | 7:44 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

So What !!! We,the people, keep voting these people into office and WE, therefore,deserve what WE get..
A bunch of worthless slobs who can't run a business,voted into office by idiots who are too lazy to think. Welcome to the WELFARE SOCIATY!!

Jack in Maine | 7:46 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

I want to know precisely how much these moronic bailouts will cost me personally. I want to know how much the congressional pay raises cost me personally. Then I'm going to deduct that total amount from the taxes I have to pay in for this year. If the millions and millions of taxpayers who don't go along with the government hijacking our hard earned money and making us poorer in order to make free market enterprises richer and then rewarding themselves for stealing our money get together, this should send a clear message to the morons in Washington. In the land of the real, you get a raise if you do a good job. (Unless you belong to a union, then you have your union blackmail your bosses on your behalf, but that's another story.)

constitutional guy | 7:50 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Elected officals have nothing but contempt for the average American. They view citizens as nothing more than peasants that they will tax into oblivion to support their lavish lifestyle. This government is becoming as corrupt as any you would find in the third world.

KD | 7:49 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Time for a 3rd party yet?

TX Mike | 7:52 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

During tough economic times the responsible action is to be economical not wasteful. Because of congress's poor and irresponsible choices the US is in this slump. They do not deserve their current base salary nor a raise.

Hang Em | 7:51 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Disgusting. These idiots got us in this financial crisis by taking "contributions" (bribes) and allowing the rest of us to collectively lose trillions. What did we do about it - we re-elected the same idiots to fix it. It really is time for a revolution. We need a new party to displace the current corrupt choices we have. Reid and Pelosi have presided over an unbelievably inept and corrupt congress. They should be on trial for treason. Vote for anybody but an incumbent.

Anna | 7:52 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

G, 7:33 pm - the answer to your question is right in front of your face - DEMOCRATS! With a sprinkling of RINOs mixed in.

Rusty | 7:56 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Auto Pay Raise

Pig is, Pig does.

Kathy in Georgia | 7:58 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Not a surprise that Congress would accept a pay raise. Government thinks they're exempt..let the country go "down the tubes". The majority party hasn't done anything to warrant any raise..They should be ashamed to have raises while the people are losing jobs and homes. The power is at the Ballot Box!!

Kalifornia Cat | 7:57 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

You guys can argue over Rep. & Dem. until you're blue in the face. I can tell you straight up that my life here in the US was much better under Reagan & Bush, than Clinton and Carter. I say stop looking at the party and start looking at the principals and morals and businees plans. Good business people create a good business atmosphere. People selling or giving the country away for votes, are going to take us down. Accountability and personal responsibility is the key to this great country's survival. Welfare must be reformed, big business needs to survive on it's own, and entrepreneurism is the key. Curb Illigal Immigration, and personal responsibility for your debts. Stand up and do what's right and this country can be great again. Take it back from the politicians who do it harm and get rid of political correctness. There's the plan. Can you dig it?

Scott Trent | 8:02 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

The very fact that the Federal Reserve takes by force $160 BILLION a month from taxpayers in an economic recession is mind boggling enough. Add to that our 'do nothing' Congress automatically getting a $5,000.00 pay raise? When are Americans going to wake up and see our Federal Government is too big and spends too much. What would happen to our economy if that black hole (Washington D.C.) would cut what they take by force from American citizens by half? Say $80 BILLION or $40 Billion a month. Our economy would flourish... Is our own Government our own worst enemy? Yes.

Yukiko | 8:27 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Congress rants and raves when the CEO of a failing company gets a raise or a bonus. They have taken the salaries from the CEO's of the auto companies. But when it comes to the failing, bumbling, out right criminal dealings of congress what happens? They get a raise. Why not slap us, the public who pay their salaries, in the face. While they are at it why not spit on us and kick us as well. Keep laughing you buffoons. I'll remember this next time I vote. Shame on everyone of you.

Texas Independent | 8:25 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

There are many here among us who feel that Congress is but a joke. If you think congress cares what you think, you are dreaming.

Kathy | 8:33 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Forget Congress Men/Women donating their pay raises, just don't take our taxes and we'll consider donating to our favorite charity... after our bills are paid.

John R. Stoeffler - Ballwin, MO | 8:37 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

To their credit, some corporate CEOs have cut their pay, opted not to take bonuses or announced their willingness to work for a dollar a year until their company is back on its feet. Congress should do likewise; but in spite of the sacrifices they call on you and me to make they have just received another automatic pay raise of $4,700. Call me crazy, but I would think members of the U.S. House and Senate should vote to rescind this salary increase and take a pay cut of at least thirty percent until this economy gets back on its feet. Inasmuch as they contributed to the current economic crisis it is only fair they share with the rest of us the misery and hardships they have created.
When Congress reconvenes in 2009 the first order of business will undoubtedly be the state of the economy. There will not be a better time for our Washington pols to evidence their understanding and empathy with those of us who have been impacted by their lackluster performance that has contributed in no small part to the sad economic state in which many Americans now find themselves.

Who cares | 8:38 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Which member of congress was it that coined the phrase "A million here and a million there and pretrty soon you are talking real money"?

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.