Subsidizing Nonsense
As much as we bitch and moan about the perks offered to the members of public sector unions (comp time, generous vacation and benefits packages), often overlooked are the perks offered to electeds.
Much was made back in the day about Joel Giambra’s massive SUV with driver.
But what of Tom Reynolds’ Mountaineer? What of Louise Slaughter’s Buick Lucerne or Brian Higgins’ Ford Exploder?
At least you can hand it to the local delegation for buying American.
Down in the City…
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-Queens, leases a Lexus for $998 a month; Rep. Charles Rangel takes a 2004 Cadillac DeVille for $778 a month; Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Middletown, leases a BMW 530i for $500 a month and a Nissan Altima for his chief of staff for $200 a month.
The vehicles are supposed to be for official business only. But it’s difficult to determine if members indeed use their vehicles only for job-related duties.
Most likely, Slaughter’s lease costs $808 because her district is about 80 miles long and the lease probably incorporates a high mileage allowance - more than the standard 12k per year.
But why on Earth should taxpayers be paying for a Lexus or a Cadillac or a 5-series? Why can’t these people just use their own personal vehicles, and get reimbursed for the mileage like most of us? If we expect public sector unions to sacrifice, how about showing them how it’s done, for God’s sake?
The salary for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $169,300 this year. Taxpayers subsidize meals at their cafeterias, haircuts and memberships at their special fitness clubs. They can zip into free parking spots near the terminals at Washington’s airports.
Some federal representatives probably know the shock of paying for their own gas these days. Higgins says he fills his wife’s minivan and the personal auto he drives when in Washington.
Their salary is ample. Their perks are legendary. If a Congressperson wants to buy a gas guzzling SUV, then by all means, go for it.
On your own dime. And pay for your own gas, too.
I don’t mind subsidizing food stamps for the poor, and I don’t mind subsidizing health care for the needy.
I do mind subsidizing dumb vehicle choices for well-to-do, privileged members of Congress.
Jackson Smiles Says:May 5th, 2008 at 11:15 am
They should make them all drive hybrids.
Ward Says:May 5th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I was going to suggest a Smart Car for Mrs. Slaughter, but that seems incongruent. Or oxymoronic.
shopitall Says:May 5th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Reynolds can’t pay for his own car!?!?!?!
As he walks away from his job with a $1.8 mil slush fund…..errrr…..”campaign war chest” on his way to join Masiello (who made off with $800,000 I believe) becoming our next area
“lobbyist.”
These guys have NO shame. It’s really incredible.
Denizen Says:May 6th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Most of our electeds have their heads planted firmly in the sand.
The voting sheeple who keep re-electing these turds are not too far behind….
steve Says:May 6th, 2008 at 10:32 am
For $800 a month Louise should be driving a time-traveling DeLorean.