No equity in pay raises

To the editor:

I received this information on my computer. I would like for someone to let me know if they have heard the same.

Federal employees were to receive a 3.5 percent cost of living adjustment, but Obama went for 2 percent. He'd lose their votes if he gave them no increase like all Social Security recipients. This is unfair for the public but smart politically.

Obama recently approved 2 percent salary increases for federal employees effective Jan. 1. Members of the executive, legislative and judicial branches are due for an automatic pay increase as well.

All this on the backs of seniors who will not receive any cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for several years for the first time in history. The Congress will not allow an increase in Social Security.

In fact, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation predicts thee may not be any COLA for the next three years.

However, the per-person monthly Medicare insurance premium will be increased from the 2009 premium of $96.40 to $104.20 (8 percent) in 2010 and to $120.20 (15.4 percent) for 2011.

How nice for our "leaders" in D.C. to see that they get an annual pay raise while the rest of us get the royal shaft. I hope all seniors read this and to remind them not to vote for incumbent Senators.

God bless all,

Richard Haffner

Portland[[In-content Ad]]