Time for pay-hike fight to reach new level

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October 11, 2006

Letter to the Editor

John DeVillier The Port Arthur News Wed Oct 11, 2006, 09:57 AM CDT

I was as happy as any Jefferson County taxpayer to see that 18 percent pay hike for elected officials tossed in the trash.

Now it’s time for some of those opposing the pay increases to take the fight to another level: the U. S. Congress.

I say “some” because unlike the grassroots, bi-partisan effort in our county, this one will have to be spearheaded by the GOPers, since the Democrats have had little influence in Washington in recent years.

Yessir, it’s time to repeat that stunt we saw at the courthouse: find a young Rita victim, rattle her penny bank at every member of Texas’ Congressional delegation, and tell them that their 21 percent salary increase since 1998 is more than they deserve.

Say to them that raising the annual pay of Senators and Representatives from $136,700 to $165,200 during the years when the minimum wage has been frozen at a miserly $5.15 an hour isn’t just fiscally irresponsible but borders on the immoral.

Remind them of their generous expense accounts, perks, retirement benefits and superior medical care – and future opportunities as lobbyists.

But bring a bag lunch if you expect the quick retreat we saw in Jefferson County.

John DeVillier

Groves TX

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