Some in Congress demonize state, local pensions — but not their own
Some members of Congress haven’t been shy about criticizing underfunded state and local pension plans, even though federal lawmakers enjoy much heftier retirement packages than most private-sector employees and state workers do.
Budget battles in New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio have captured headlines as lawmakers struggle over how to pay retirement benefits for state and local government workers. Some on Capitol Hill have added fuel to the flaming national debate.
In a recent speech to South Carolina Republicans, for example, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., said, “We’ve got to get real about what we can and cannot afford” in state pensions.
From the other pole of debate, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, linked opponents of public-sector unions to Nazi Germany.
For all the theater, members of Congress, regardless of party, aren’t saying much about their retirement plans, which are much more generous than those held by most Americans.
And now… the rest of the story. …..
Harold
