I disagree. Low salaries in congress is exactly the kind of thing that gives lobbyists power.
Poor staffers and low paid representatives are more likely to become lobbyists themselves or to take bribes. Congresspeople should be given an ultimatum, they can only serve in congress if they agree to never make income from any other source ever again in their lives… even after one term. In return, they’re guaranteed a modest pension starting when they leave that pays 80% of their current salary (should be a healthy salary), increasing with inflation. They can not trade stocks, accept gifts, or own any form of property except a single residence.
If you want to serve the people, you can only serve the people and not yourself. Congresspeople should be truly selfless individuals.
I agree that low salary is a losing game but a salary high enough to turn away all of the lobbiest is a losing battle also. Just make itillegal and enforce the rules.
Yeah, then just their spouses will work for the oil, tech, or war companies.
I do agree with everything you said, I just also know they’ll slime their ways to paydays one way or another.
Where I live, lawyers go on to be judges, preside over landmark cases, leave the bench, and go work in that industry for the people they presided in favor of. We live in joke world.
I disagree. Low salaries in congress is exactly the kind of thing that gives lobbyists power.
Poor staffers and low paid representatives are more likely to become lobbyists themselves or to take bribes. Congresspeople should be given an ultimatum, they can only serve in congress if they agree to never make income from any other source ever again in their lives… even after one term. In return, they’re guaranteed a modest pension starting when they leave that pays 80% of their current salary (should be a healthy salary), increasing with inflation. They can not trade stocks, accept gifts, or own any form of property except a single residence.
If you want to serve the people, you can only serve the people and not yourself. Congresspeople should be truly selfless individuals.
I agree that low salary is a losing game but a salary high enough to turn away all of the lobbiest is a losing battle also. Just make itillegal and enforce the rules.
Yeah, then just their spouses will work for the oil, tech, or war companies.
I do agree with everything you said, I just also know they’ll slime their ways to paydays one way or another.
Where I live, lawyers go on to be judges, preside over landmark cases, leave the bench, and go work in that industry for the people they presided in favor of. We live in joke world.