Matheson gets it right

An article in the Deseret News today talked about how Rep Jim Matheson (D-UT) is fighting the self-imposed raise Congress is trying to pass this year. The raise, about $4,700, would increase the salary of most members of Congress to nearly $175,000. Here is some of the quotes by Jim Matheson on the pay raise -

"In a situation where there aren't many people in this country who are seeing their salaries go up, and in fact a lot of people are losing their jobs, the notion that Congress should be having an automatic pay raise without even a vote just doesn't pass the smell test."

"I think there's a lot more interest in saying, 'Wait a minute, is this the right thing to do at this time?' Again, whether or not Congress deserves a pay raise, there ought to at least be a vote. This year in tough economic times, I think Congress should tighten its belt just like everyone in America is."

He has fought the pay raises each year he has been in Congress and the raises he has received he donates to charities within his district.

Kudos to you, brother! Jim Matheson and I don't agree on some issues but there are a lot more that we do agree on than we don't. If all Democrats, and Republicans, would think in such a way we might not be in the mess we are today. Now it is time for Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz to jump on board the NO-PAY-RAISE-FOR-CONGRESS train. Email them when you have a moment and let them know how you feel. I feel fairly confident that they will have the same sentiments, but there is no hope for the two Senators who have already proven that they will give your tax dollars to bailouts and themselves before thinking what would be best for their constituents.