Of course it will never happen, but there is a solution to these outrageous things
(clearing throat, stepping on soap box)
1. Term Limits-2 each-therefore, no pensions necessary
2. Congress can only be paid the median income of the state they represent
3. They are free to participate in a healthcare plan of their choice, and they pay the same amount as the rest of the employer based plans in the country
4. All expenses of the office which they hold are funded by the state they serve based on a budget VOTED on by the voters of the state. It must be balanced each year or they dip into funds for the next year.
5. All laws passed by the congress are applicable TO the congress including health insurance, taxes, and business regulations.
6. No profiting from the office for at least 2 years after leaving office. No speaking engagements, no book deals, no nothing based on their time in office.
At least this would encourage less career politicians from running, and it would become, once again, political SERVICE.
Off my soapbox, resume play........
And how do you think that will help? What sort of person do you want in office? If you don’t pay enough, you won’t get the right people. Serving in office is hard work.
How about we don’t pay them anything at all? Will that be better? At least they will understand what it is like for the unemployed.