WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama on Monday proposed a two-year freeze of the salaries of some 2 million federal workers, trying to seize the deficit-cutting initiative from Republicans with a sudden, dramatic stroke. Though signaling White House concern over record deficits, the freeze would make only a tiny dent in annual deficits or the nation's $14 trillion debt.Freeze federal pay? Here's my message to the federal government and ALL federal employees, suck it up and stop griping.
"Small businesses and families are tightening their belts," Obama said in brief remarks at the White House. "The government should, too." The administration said the plan was designed to save more than $5 billion over the first two years.
The proposal, which must be approved by Congress, would not apply to the military, but it would affect all others on the Executive Branch payroll. It would not affect members of Congress or their staffs, defense contractors, postal workers or federal court judges and workers.
Obama's move was an attempt to get in front of Republican plans to slash federal pay and the workforce next year, when they will flex more legislative muscle than now. It came a day ahead of Obama's meeting at the White House with both Republicans and Democratic leaders - his first with Republicans since the midterm elections - and two days before the deadline for recommendations by his deficit-reduction commission.
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Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay
Pretend you're a Senior Citizen or a disabled American trying to scrape by on Social Security. We have been frozen for 2010 and 2011 already. No cost of living allowance.
Here in Rowlett we have a lot of TEA Party members that are seriously qualified as Seniors. I'm certain that we have some, at least a few, that are retired on disability. I would be interested in hearing how this federal wage freeze and the no COLA for Social Security recipients is going to affect our members, their friends and/or family.
The president said the economy and federal spending were at the top of the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, one he said he hoped "will mark a first step towards a new and productive working relationship" between the two parties. Because of GOP midterm gains, "we now have a shared responsibility to deliver for the American people on the issues that define not only these times but our future," Obama said.I am agreed with Boehner, this is a good move. It won't solve ALL of the issues, but it's a start.
House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, on track to become House speaker in January, said he was pleased with the president's announcement.
But with no COLA for 2 years, with wages frozen for federal employees, what about inflation? What do we do when OUR money doesn't go up at all but the cost of our goods does?
Do you remember the stories about the elderly eating CAT FOOD?
