Iowa lege considering big pay boost, Republican leader flip-flops

Iowa lawmakers would give themselves a hefty pay raise and more money for expenses under a proposal being considered in the Iowa House.

The pay hike, starting in 2007, is part of a bill establishing salaries for state workers proposed by Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, [file under names that match occupations] has been a vocal critic of the salary hikes negotiated for state workers in recent years, but is backing a pay raise for himself and fellow legislators.

Rank and file lawmakers would see their annual salaries boosted from $21,381 to $25,000, an increase of 16.9 percent. Legislative leaders would get an even bigger pay hike. Their annual salaries would jump to $37,500 from $32,974, a 13.7 percent increase.

The money lawmakers are paid for food and lodging during the legislative session would rise from $86 a day to $105. They also would be paid $300 a month in expenses, up from $200.

Let's face it, these guys and gals work their asses off. But unfortunately, 80% of the time it's for themselves or their party colleagues, not for the public good.

So shouldn't they get paid more money for their very hard work in raising more money so that they can give more state money to those who gave them money to get re-elected so they can continue to get paid more money to raise more money to get elected so they can give away more state money to those who give them money, etc.?
What a glorious system.