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Title: Federal workers earning double their private counterparts
Source:
USA Today
URL Source: http://www.usatoday.com/money/econo ... 2010-08-10-1Afedpay10_ST_N.htm
Published: Aug 11, 2010
Author: Dennis Cauchon
Post Date: 2010-08-11 16:37:22 by F.A. Hayek Fan
Keywords: None
Views: 774
Comments: 78
At a time when workers' pay and benefits have stagnated, federal employees' average compensation has grown to more than double what private sector workers earn, a USA TODAY analysis finds. Federal workers have been awarded bigger average pay and benefit increases than private employees for nine years in a row. The compensation gap between federal and private workers has doubled in the past decade. Federal civil servants earned average pay and benefits of $123,049 in 2009 while private workers made $61,051 in total compensation, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data are the latest available. The federal compensation advantage has grown from $30,415 in 2000 to $61,998 last year. Public employee unions say the compensation gap reflects the increasingly high level of skill and education required for most federal jobs and the government contracting out lower-paid jobs to the private sector in recent years. "The data are not useful for a direct public-private pay comparison," says Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union. Chris Edwards, a budget analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute, thinks otherwise. "Can't we now all agree that federal workers are overpaid and do something about it?" he asks. Last week, President Obama ordered a freeze on bonuses for 2,900 political appointees. For the rest of the 2-million-person federal workforce, Obama asked for a 1.4% across-the-board pay hike in 2011, the smallest in more than a decade. Federal workers also would qualify for seniority pay hikes. Congressional Republicans want to cancel the across-the-board increase in 2011, which would save $2.2 billion. "Americans are fed up with public employee pay scales far exceeding that in the private sector," says Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the second-ranking Republican in the House. Sen. Ted Kaufman, D-Del., says a pay freeze would unfairly scapegoat federal workers without addressing real budget problems. What the data show: •Benefits. Federal workers received average benefits worth $41,791 in 2009. Most of this was the government's contribution to pensions. Employees contributed an additional $10,569. •Pay. The average federal salary has grown 33% faster than inflation since 2000. USA TODAY reported in March that the federal government pays an average of 20% more than private firms for comparable occupations. The analysis did not consider differences in experience and education. •Total compensation. Federal compensation has grown 36.9% since 2000 after adjusting for inflation, compared with 8.8% for private workers.
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#4. To: Eric Stratton (#3)
yes. and if we start thinking about adjusting those federal salaries downward, then we should at least be cognizant of the fact that when we lower their salaries & benefits we would also be destroying part of our nation's economy & tax base. Like it or not when any segment of our economy is destroyed for any reason, then there is a multiplier effect in that it ends up taking down more as people spend less than what they otherwise would've spent. Some people in our society have made the idea of 'protectionism' to be thought of as a bad idea. But we need to protect our economy. Instead of thinking about de-funding our economy, we should be thinking about funding it. When we fund government by borrowing massively, then we are creating a future expense that we cannot afford. I read the government is going to borrow $2 trillion to fund the deficit spending of just one year. And the government only spends $3 trillion. Deficit spending went up to almost $1.5 trillion in the last year of the Bush admin, I remember reading an article that said CBO predicting that it would be that way in the last year of the Bush admin and also every year after that. Borrowing money on this scale is suicidal. We should renounce the debt. The lenders will survive. They were stupid to lend it. When you lend on this scale it is not reasonable to think you'll be paid back. It is a sovereignty battle. Who is sovereign? The government or the bankers? Government should assert its authority, slap the banks down and create its own money to fund spending that must be done to keep our economy going. If government created currency from thin air and invested massively in infrastructure projects, then our economy could get back to 'normal' quickly. Many people argue that government should not create money because it will create too much and thus cause inflation. But the federal reserve is well known for facilitating rapid money supply growth. The idea that government is unfit compared to the federal reserve is dysfunctional. The federal reserve has gotten us into this mess. Government should take back that power. In the 1800's we had almost no inflation for the entire century. Money was sound and stable. That was prior to when we enabled the federal reserve in 1913.
Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Really????
If this doesn't get "The People" to want to storm the MF gates of that sh*thole called DEECEE, I don't know what will. Damn.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
No sir, not at all. You might check the prevailing wages for a few professions, hired by the government and private enterprise.
if it is a choice between letting the economy contract by 10% a year for years at a time and keeping the gdp stable, then the government should create money from thin air and spend this money. We need to be aware of the value of maintaining the gdp. it is irresponsible for government to just sit by and watch the economy contract dramatically. I think you are correct that I have come to a keynesian moment. I don't advocate government borrowing money to fuel spending though. after WW2 the top tax rate on high income people in America was over 90%. Guess what? the level of debt came down and the economy did not implode even with tax rates up over 90%. I don't advocate that we must tax ourselves to prosperity in order to fuel government. Government can cut a very large portion of its spending simply by cutting its war funding and bringing all the troops home as well as by renouncing its debt and not servicing that debt. concerning revenue - we should be very concerned that revenue from the corporate income tax has declined dramatically. From 1960 to 2000 the government got each year 10%-12% of all its revenue from corporate income tax. And by 2005 it was down to around 5% despite that corporate income increased dramatically from 2000 to 2005. Government just plain stopped collecting revenue from this source. this causes debt. we are truly stupid if we think that is good. government has shifted its burden of taxation from rich people to middle income people. One of the government's big sources of revenue are the multiple payroll taxes levied on paychecks under $80,000 a year. When you consider the employer portion and the employee portion it is 15.8% of each paycheck. People who make over $80 grand a year don't even pay that tax. That payroll tax was raised in 1983. Back in 1960 almost all tax revenue to the federal government came from rich people. Not any more. the heaviest taxed people in America are the middle income people who make $50,000 to $80,000. They have to pay on the income tax and on the payroll tax both. Rich people only have to pay the income tax. poor people only pay the payroll tax. The richest people make money from investment. In 2004 the law was changed to create a new tax category called 'investment income'. The rate for that was lowered to 15%, they've since raised it very slightly. But think about it - the poorest people paid 15.8% on their payroll tax. The richest paid 15% on their investment income. the debt is killing us. and some people can only think about keeping taxes low for rich people.
Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
That is current and applies to DOCTORS, LAWYERS, PILOTS AND MOST ENGINEERS. IN private practice the current MD as a GP earns $166,400.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
I know one thing. My brother is an air force doctor with almost 35 years in. He won't retire until he must retire. He'll take a big pay cut too when he does retire. a lot of private sector doctors are finding diminished opportunities compared to the past.
Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
These are current Federal pay scales for professional workers.
You have declined to tell us what government organization you worked for. Mine was the CAA, before your time.
Some police departments now require a Bachelor's degree and start their officers around $60,000/yr.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
my brother has strongly considered retiring from the air force. just a few years ago he felt his retirement was imminent. However, what stopped him is that he found that in the private sector he'd make a lot less money. now he's decided to stay until he must leave.
Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
Perhaps the problem is that yours was before my time, a more current time. I see. I was never ashamed of what I did for a living, government or otherwise. Painting government service with a broad brush is very easy to do, especially when it is all bad, that brings out anger from people that have never been there and are easily led. On a current and local basis, I expect prompt service from my local police and fire people, 24/7. Just perhaps that translates to most jobs in state and federal service?
How on earth would you arrive at that conclusion???? All inclusive statements are one thing, easily broadcast, it is quite another program to assume to know ALL about someone else. Such dilutes ones input to a very low grade.
Yes, then there's the New Orleans PD, an exemplary organization if there ever was one.
__________________________________________________________ Read it and weep.
__________________________________________________________ CAA? Criminy, did you hang out with the Wright brothers?
"The data are not useful for a direct public-private pay comparison," says Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union. A union for U.S. Treasury workers? Sounds like a bunch of pirates if you ask me. All while real unions like UAW and Teamsters are being undermined by same government and all it's minions. Back, and to the right... (X)8
"The people in power will not disappear voluntarily, giving flowers to the cops just isn't going to work. This thinking is fostered by the establishment; they like nothing better than love and nonviolence. The only way I like to see cops given flowers is in a flower pot from a high window.” - William S Burroughs
Obama is assembling his promised civilian army.
No, but I knew a man that his pilots license was signed by Wilbur Wright.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
Your personal opinion, however I would be willing to have you prove your point or view on most any current subject?
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The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
Usually I refrain from personal posts, however, in your case I will relent. Since coming here you have shown us two things, your mental age and your lack of ability to debate or even discuss any subject in depth. Otherwise, I find you interesting, intelligent but lacking in wisdom.
A high level of skill as a Jewish ass kisser? That must be what they mean. That's the only skill they have.
God is always good!
Thanks for reminding me why I bozoed him years ago, I kind of forgot.
God is always good!
Seems to be a lot of that going around.... ;-)
Is this man clueless?
"Every Person born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction, is by virtue of natural law and national law a citizen of the United States. This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons. Perhaps we should give the politicians what they want; a communist revolution where by we seize all the property held by federal workers, from government agents to the politicians, and the lobbyists whom control them after we imprison them to labor camps.
I'm guessing our biggest expense comes in the form of federal salaries. That's really why we barrow so much, to pay federal workers. Other than that I agree we need to do away with the Fed and fiat money.
"Every Person born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction, is by virtue of natural law and national law a citizen of the United States. This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons.
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#5. To: Eric Stratton (#3)
The bottom line is that the Governments are a paradise for the unmotivated, unambitious, lazy, etc. They're nothing but jobs programs in an arena equivalent to business world fantasy land!
#6. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
#7. To: Red Jones (#4)
#8. To: Cynicom (#5)
#9. To: Lysander_Spooner (#6)
#10. To: Eric Stratton (#8)
I take it that that was sarcastic.
#11. To: Eric Stratton (#7)
#12. To: Eric Stratton (#8)
Scientific & Professional (ST) positions range from $119,554 to $179,700.
#13. To: Cynicom (#10)
#14. To: Cynicom (#12)
#15. To: Red Jones, All (#11)
#16. To: Cynicom (#12)
#17. To: Red Jones (#14)
Scientific & Professional (ST) positions range from $119,554 to $179,700.
#18. To: Eric Stratton (#16)
#19. To: Eric Stratton (#9)
"This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?"
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#20. To: Cynicom (#18)
#21. To: X-15 (#19)
#22. To: X-15 (#19)
#23. To: Cynicom (#17)
#24. To: Cynicom (#18)
#25. To: Eric Stratton (#20)
That's correct, and it will stay "declined."
#26. To: Eric Stratton (#24)
BTW, I know more government workers than you know people.
#27. To: Eric Stratton (#21)
"This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?"
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#28. To: Eric Stratton, christine, Lod, Jethro Tull, Cynicom, PSUSA, scrapper2, James Deffenbach, abraxas, All (#22)
"This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?"
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#29. To: Cynicom (#18)
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
#30. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
Public employee unions say the compensation gap reflects the increasingly high level of skill and education required for most federal jobs and the government contracting out lower-paid jobs to the private sector in recent years.
#31. To: X-15, all (#28)
#32. To: Esso (#29)
CAA? Criminy, did you hang out with the Wright brothers?
#33. To: Cynicom (#25)
#34. To: X-15 (#27)
#35. To: X-15 (#28)
#36. To: Eric Stratton (#33)
Otherwise I think that you're very out of touch with current events as it relates here. This ain't 1950.
#37. To: Cynicom, All (#36)
#38. To: Eric Stratton (#37)
end of this bullshit ---
#39. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
(Edited)
Public employee unions say the compensation gap reflects the increasingly high level of skill and education required for most federal jobs and the government contracting out lower-paid jobs to the private sector in recent years.
#40. To: Eric Stratton (#37)
#41. To: Cynicom, Eric Stratton (#38)
intelligent but lacking in wisdom
I ran out of smart sounding quotes
#42. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
Sen. Ted Kaufman, D-Del., says a pay freeze would unfairly scapegoat federal workers without addressing real budget problems.
Senator Jacob Howard, Co-author of the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment, 1866.
#43. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
Federal workers earning double their private counterparts
#44. To: Red Jones (#4)
Senator Jacob Howard, Co-author of the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment, 1866.
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