Federal Employee Pay Freeze

[Anonymous]

I'd like someone to explain this to me:

How can you argue that it make sense to freeze my pay for the next two years (I work on national security issues, so I think what I do is somewhat important) or the pay of someone making $40k a year as a GS-8, while also arguing that people making over $250k a year need a tax break?

WHy am I being forced to sacrifice for the good of the nation while someone making twice as much as I am is not being asked to do the same? If you think $250k is not a significant HHI, then how about raising the taxes on HHI of $500k or more?

[Anonymous]

I think it is reasonable to ask that federal employees with very secure jobs to forego pay increases at this time. It is not clear to me whether the announced freeze applies to the annula COLA only or also step increases (which might be deemed "promotions." Many folks have experienced similar pay freezes, pay reductions, and of course job losses over the past few years. I don't think this action implies that what federal employees do is suddenly of less value ... at least I would not agree with that assessment. It is just one more way to work towards reducing our deficit.

I also support letting the Bush tax cuts end. And sharply reducing tax expenditures, including the ones I myself benefit from. And reducing military budget even during a time of war. EVERYTHING is on the table in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you are sacrificing. The pay increase is a cost of living adjustment based on how fast prices are rising. Price aren't rising, so no COLA.

If they gave you a 4% raise and prices were going up 4% a year, you would be in the exact same boat.

So to me, this is not a sacrifice but a calculation of the cost of living.

If you want to make more money, the route is to get promoted a pay grade. That is also how most people advance in the private sector. They get promoted to a better job, or they take on a larger role for a step up in pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is reasonable to ask that federal employees with very secure jobs to forego pay increases at this time. It is not clear to me whether the announced freeze applies to the annula COLA only or also step increases (which might be deemed "promotions." Many folks have experienced similar pay freezes, pay reductions, and of course job losses over the past few years. I don't think this action implies that what federal employees do is suddenly of less value ... at least I would not agree with that assessment. It is just one more way to work towards reducing our deficit.

I also support letting the Bush tax cuts end. And sharply reducing tax expenditures, including the ones I myself benefit from. And reducing military budget even during a time of war. EVERYTHING is on the table in my opinion.

It must be nice in your fantasy world. Read Bob Woodward's new book, "Obama's Wars."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd like someone to explain this to me:

How can you argue that it make sense to freeze my pay for the next two years (I work on national security issues, so I think what I do is somewhat important) or the pay of someone making $40k a year as a GS-8, while also arguing that people making over $250k a year need a tax break?

WHy am I being forced to sacrifice for the good of the nation while someone making twice as much as I am is not being asked to do the same? If you think $250k is not a significant HHI, then how about raising the taxes on HHI of $500k or more?

You are a public servant and will accept whatever pay we (your bosses) want to pay you. You can always quit and try your luck out here in the private sector. I don't see why you wouldn't if you are so valuable. Maybe we should just raise the taxes on federal workers to get their net down to the average private sector salary and they can contribute more for the government.

[Anonymous]

You should just quit. Why even waste the time bitching and moaning? Get a better job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should just quit. Why even waste the time bitching and moaning? Get a better job.

. I really don't think you are answering the question. Why is the government looking to this patriots who make more than $500k to help out?

[Anonymous]

I agree that the Republican position makes no sense.

And while we're at it, why are Republicans trying to eliminate the estate tax so that heirs, who may never have worked a day in their lives, get a life of luxury?

And why are Republicans trying to protect hedge fund managers getting taxed at the 15% rate?

Can one of you government-hating Republicans explain these to me?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd like someone to explain this to me:

How can you argue that it make sense to freeze my pay for the next two years (I work on national security issues, so I think what I do is somewhat important) or the pay of someone making $40k a year as a GS-8, while also arguing that people making over $250k a year need a tax break?

WHy am I being forced to sacrifice for the good of the nation while someone making twice as much as I am is not being asked to do the same? If you think $250k is not a significant HHI, then how about raising the taxes on HHI of $500k or more?

You are a public servant and will accept whatever pay we (your bosses) want to pay you. You can always quit and try your luck out here in the private sector. I don't see why you wouldn't if you are so valuable. Maybe we should just raise the taxes on federal workers to get their net down to the average private sector salary and they can contribute more for the government.

Not OP, but first, federal workers also pay taxes so they are as much their own bosses as you are. Second, I could make more money if I go back to the private sector defending employers, like your boss, against claims from people like you. And I could go back to helping companies avoid penalties for "alleged" wage and hour violations. But instead I have taken a significant pay cut to represent the interests of employees like yourself. I don't expect someone like you to appreciate that without federal employees your life would be worse, but I don't understand your contempt for public servants.

[Anonymous]

Ditto last PP. I see no reason why we should not do a paybfreeze since most in the private sector are doing that or worse. But itis the height of ludic racy for Rs to say we have to save all these tax breaksbfor really rich people while focusing on government salaries and "waste".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd like someone to explain this to me:

How can you argue that it make sense to freeze my pay for the next two years (I work on national security issues, so I think what I do is somewhat important) or the pay of someone making $40k a year as a GS-8, while also arguing that people making over $250k a year need a tax break?

WHy am I being forced to sacrifice for the good of the nation while someone making twice as much as I am is not being asked to do the same? If you think $250k is not a significant HHI, then how about raising the taxes on HHI of $500k or more?

You are a public servant and will accept whatever pay we (your bosses) want to pay you. You can always quit and try your luck out here in the private sector. I don't see why you wouldn't if you are so valuable. Maybe we should just raise the taxes on federal workers to get their net down to the average private sector salary and they can contribute more for the government.

Not OP, but first, federal workers also pay taxes so they are as much their own bosses as you are. Second, I could make more money if I go back to the private sector defending employers, like your boss, against claims from people like you. And I could go back to helping companies avoid penalties for "alleged" wage and hour violations. But instead I have taken a significant pay cut to represent the interests of employees like yourself. I don't expect someone like you to appreciate that without federal employees your life would be worse, but I don't understand your contempt for public servants.

Its not contemp. Get in the real world...the government is a money pit . It is hemmoraging red ink. It is bloated and wasteful and the shit is about to hit the fan. Everybody know that the problem is the government spends too much it's not that people are taxed too low. between Federal Tax, payroll tax, state tax, property taxes, capital gains taxes, dividend taxes, gasoline taxes, sales taxes, taxes on my cable/phones/cell phones etc. My taxes are closing in on 50% of my income. The Government is going to get cut and you should get prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the Republican position makes no sense.

And while we're at it, why are Republicans trying to eliminate the estate tax so that heirs, who may never have worked a day in their lives, get a life of luxury?

And why are Republicans trying to protect hedge fund managers getting taxed at the 15% rate?

Can one of you government-hating Republicans explain these to me?

Hedge fund managers are not taxed 15% on their income. Everybody is taxed at 15% right now on capital gains. Have you noticed the stock market is below where it was in 2007? Most people have lost money in real estate and stocks over the past 10 years. The reason the rate is so low is that the government wants people to invest in stocks and real estate. Otherwise business deteriorates and the Gov makes less tax revenue. I think what you mean is "why isn't there a wealth tax ?" That may be a good idea to tax everyone 5% of WEALTH (not income) over 10 million $$ per year. This would predominanly fall on rich liberals in the Northeast and it would be delicious to watch them freak out. It should also be noted that if you lose money in stocks or real estate you can only write off $3000 . The goverment lets you take the risk, doesn't act like a partner and help you with the losses but is right there to tax any gains you might have. If they raise taxes too much it becomes a suckers game for the investors and they just sit on the sidelines and watch the mayhem. No sence in killing the golden goose . The Government just has to cut back...and it will.

[Anonymous]

No the earlier poster was correct about hedgE fund managers. They take the profits from their investments as capital gains and not income. If they were mutual fund managers they would be taxed as earned income which has a higher rate. It is an anomaly, even in finance. Most of us would call it a loophole since this money is based on their labor and not on the money they personally invest. The actual investments come from the limited partners.

[Anonymous]

Its not contemp. Get in the real world...the government is a money pit . It is hemmoraging red ink. It is bloated and wasteful and the shit is about to hit the fan. Everybody know that the problem is the government spends too much it's not that people are taxed too low. between Federal Tax, payroll tax, state tax, property taxes, capital gains taxes, dividend taxes, gasoline taxes, sales taxes, taxes on my cable/phones/cell phones etc. My taxes are closing in on 50% of my income. The Government is going to get cut and you should get prepared.

Well, if you are correct that we are moving toward less regulation of business and I do get terminated as part of a government wide RIF I'll still be able to find work. I can go back to being the guy advising your company on how to send your job off shore, how to lay off people like you and how to replace people like yourself with younger, hungrier and cheaper workers. Should budget cuts be made? Yes, I think there should be cuts. Do I think eliminating cost of living adjustments of the Nurse who is treating wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen; the DEA agent putting his life in danger to get drugs off the street; the clerk who processes the paperwork to get someone's mother her social security benefits; or investigators who spend their time investigating government contractors who rip-off the government is the right thing to do? No, I don"t. I bet if someone were to review the Congressional spending in the districts and states of the ten most senior members of Congress, they could identify enough wasteful projects to pay for the cost of living increases for federal employees.

I'm also curious. Are you in some unique business that makes no money from either the federal government or its employees?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd like someone to explain this to me:

How can you argue that it make sense to freeze my pay for the next two years (I work on national security issues, so I think what I do is somewhat important) or the pay of someone making $40k a year as a GS-8, while also arguing that people making over $250k a year need a tax break?

WHy am I being forced to sacrifice for the good of the nation while someone making twice as much as I am is not being asked to do the same? If you think $250k is not a significant HHI, then how about raising the taxes on HHI of $500k or more?

You are a public servant and will accept whatever pay we (your bosses) want to pay you. You can always quit and try your luck out here in the private sector. I don't see why you wouldn't if you are so valuable. Maybe we should just raise the taxes on federal workers to get their net down to the average private sector salary and they can contribute more for the government.

Not OP, but first, federal workers also pay taxes so they are as much their own bosses as you are. Second, I could make more money if I go back to the private sector defending employers, like your boss, against claims from people like you. And I could go back to helping companies avoid penalties for "alleged" wage and hour violations. But instead I have taken a significant pay cut to represent the interests of employees like yourself. I don't expect someone like you to appreciate that without federal employees your life would be worse, but I don't understand your contempt for public servants.

My goodness, you are too wonderful for the likes of we, the hoi poloi. Thank you for posting, o altruistic one.