Retiring House Republican says $174,000 isn't enough money for members of Congress: 'Most of us don't have wealth'
stopthatgirl7@kbin.social to 
businessinsider.com
He's not alone: AOC and others have argued lawmakers should be paid more in order to protect against corruption and make the job more accessible.
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While it sounds absurd, between travel expenses and needing to maintain residency in the state and the very expensive DC, $174,000 really doesn't stretch very far. Instead of just paying them more, a housing and transit stipend might be prudent.
I read a proposal a while back about creating a dorm-like apartment complex for legislators that would be included free with the job with strong incentives to live there over private homes. This would also have the added benefit of improving personal relationships between the representatives so that they would be more inclined to work together and collaborate across party lines.
It also makes it easier for private citizens to, uh, replace large sections of government in one fell swoop
Yeah, I’d be much more inclined to agree with your last sentence. The fact that a second residency and travel is required, means they should be covered by their employer. In this case, that’s us, which means it should be covered by our taxes.
If this was any other profession, it wouldn’t be an out of pocket cost.
When someone cannot afford the necessary means to do their job in any other context, we don't raise their pay.
Think about what you’re saying though. It boils down to “only the rich should be in government.”
Is that really what we want?
It's what we already have.
And you’re suggesting it continue?
I'm suggesting that raising Lauren Boebert's salary isn't going to solve it.
If that’s all you’re taking away from this, I can only assume you’re not understanding the situation being talked about.
I understand the situation. You think Lauren Boebert isn't rich enough and deserves more money for the work she does for you.