Posted on 01/08/2023 4:56:11 PM PST by RandFan
When the federal government moved down to Washington, D.C., in 1800, lawmakers grumbled about leaving behind Philadelphia's plentiful accommodations for the new capital's limited housing stock of boarding houses and taverns.
Thus was established a tradition of politicians complaining about finding housing in D.C., which continues to this day.
Amongst the incoming 118th Congress are several freshmen progressive representatives who say that having to spend their $174,000 congressional salary on housing in the District is not just difficult but a deliberate effort to exclude them from the government.
"For those of us who are working-class, this is yet another reminder that this place wasn't designed for people who actually represent their communities," said freshman Rep. Delia Ramirez (D–Ill.) to The Cut yesterday.
Ramirez—herself a homeowner and landlord back in her district—said that D.C.'s housing costs are so high that she's had to give up on her plan of renting an apartment by herself. Instead, she is splitting the $3,000 rent on a Capitol Hill rowhouse with another congresswoman.
Some 34 percent of D.C. households, and 43 percent of renter households, are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Ramirez is certainly more fortunate than that. Per the numbers she gave The Cut, she's paying only 10 percent of her congressional salary on her D.C. accommodations.
The Cut nevertheless asserts that Ramirez "knows the housing struggle." She apparently isn't the only one.
(Excerpt) Read more at reason.com ...
I lived in DC area in my youth during the late 70’s early 80’s. Rents were lower but salaries were too . . . .ROOMATEs. They’re kinda like families but you’re not stuck with them for life.
What is cost of living in DC?
“And all the Whos in Whoville will all cry boo-hoo!”
My daughter has a studio in the Capital Hill neighborhood for $2500 per month.
Another option would be an RV parking area.
I hear Anacostia and PG County just over the DC line have cheaper housing, and Metro is right there, too.
base the Salery on not creating a deficit
She has one, but is whining she can't afford $36,000 annually on her own. That is barely over 20% of her salary.
Many homeowners are paying close to 40% elsewhere. Some are paying even more. But she's special.
The cost of living varies wildly within the city limits—it is like a third world enclave with sections for the very rich—and the very poor.
Averages are not helpful—the average of apples and oranges.
$700 a month for Starbucks has impact on your finances.
Every time I drive by a Starbux and see a full parking lot of people buying 50 cent coffee for 6 bucks, I ask myself...why didn’t I think of that?
The Congresscritter may be surprised to realize that a lot of constituents pay 30% of their income on rent (or mtg payments). Welcome to America. Of course, there’s always decentralizing govt to the center of America where it’s cheaper and everyone is pretty much equidistant to home.
Does that mean she earns $7500 per month?
No it does not and no she does not.
So they have to have roomwithtbeir part time Washington digs.
Oh the horrors!
I've never understood buying coffee from such places? Make it at home or in a pinch Wawa, or Dunkin Doughnuts.
She could go back to her home (hopefully in her district) and let Pelosi vote her proxy.
There are very reasonable rents in the ghetto in SE or Northeast of Georgia Ave. in northern DC.
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I lived in a fairly nice neighborhood in S.E. D.C. rent free.
Bolling A.F.B. mid 60s.
Former Kansas City News anchor Mark Alford bought a Murphy bed so he can sleep in his office. He has no problem with that. He will also be the best dressed member of the House. Growing up, he worked in a men’s clothing store.
BTW, he us VERY conservative.
Of a matter of principle they should be housed in barracks like the other government employees, the armed forces and have to get passes to leave DC. When Congress is in session attendance is mandatory.
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