One would have to consciously NOT be paying attention not to understand that ALL politicians take care of themselves at the expense of the average taxpayer. And if you think the PA state legislators are greedy, take a look at the tax-payer supported federal boys and girls with their generous pensions, salaries, healthcare benefits and illegal investment practices from confidential info they receive through their so-called jobs, which they work at for about 90 days a year. And if you think that there is a difference between the GOP and the Dems, you really are not paying attention.

Mr. Justin Simmons is going to do what this year? Will he not accept any COLA as an increase in his salary (benefit) or will he be like all of the other politicians? Justin your actions will define your career.

THESE BUMS ARE GETTING MORE OF OUR MONEY THAN WE ARE TO LIVE ON--THE BUMS SAY WE HAVE TO LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS--WEL !!-OUR MEANS ARE GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER WHILE THESE BUMS ARE GETTING RICHER OFF US AND WE CAN'T AFORD TO GET GOOD HEALTH CARE OR ENJOY OUR LIFES WHEN RETIRED--THEY JUST KEEP PICKING OUR POCKETS-THANKS ALOT YOU BUMS !!!!

I think it is very interesting that our representatives are getting a COLA, yet cutting funds to the needy. Also, Harrisburg has been attacking teachers for "all the money" they make, but many have chosen, through their unions, not to take raises to help their districts.
Maybe they should think before they vote their self-interest. Who out there is getting a $6000 raise?

Agreed Patti. They cut funding to children in public schools because they cannot vote, harming the youngest members of society and their hardworking parents.

What kind of health care plans cost $7000 per year for individuals to $19000 for families? Plans I am aware of cost about $5000 for employees to $14000 for families. These must be truly cadillac type plans that are clearly not consistent with the private company plans of their constituents. Also normal for most company plans to ask employees to pay about 25%-40% of the cost for their insurance.

I get so tired of hearing that legislators do not work hard, and David Brugger stated....only work 90 days out of the year. Really? Clearly, you do not know what you are talking about. These lawmakers from the LV get up early to drive to H'burg and often come home after the sky turns dark. Most have families that just don't see them very much. Even though they may be in H'burg, they are still in constant contact with their staff in the LV to ensure the constituents are being cared for. Know what you are talking about before you speak, please!

Alot of people work hard, thats hardly an argument. Why should they get much much higher retirement benefits then the private sector. Many don't don't receive any Company paid retirement. Do you know how many years most Government workers have to work to get FULL retirement? Another good example of why we need less Government, like hiring thousands more IRS agents, just the tip of the iceberg. Like a cancer that you can't cure.

The inequity between what public elected officials choose to pay themselves (pay and benefits) versus what the real world electorate earns at their places of employment is real. Many elected to represent "we the people" often tend to forget who put them in their positions of authority in the first place.

When they cut programs that return real benefits to various classes of voters, such as the poor and the medically needy, etc., and still take care of themselves, they've lost all touch with reality and should be removed from office the next time that they are running for that office.

They don't deserve our support!

I can't add a single thing more than my fellow taxpayers have stated here. Over the years our elected officials have set themselves up pretty fat and happy...at our expense...no matter how the taxpayers suffer to keep their heads above water. Although I am nearing the end of my time under the 'rule' of these people, I truly fear for the youngsters who have yet to establish themselves with an affordable education. a liveable job, a roof over their head. and a family. The United States ruling authorities are certainly not safe from overthrow...not by any means. Exactly what is happening in far off nations with civil unrest...can and will happen here in its own time. When? When enough of the 99% has said...enough! Our means of election has become a joke...a slap in the peoples faces. It does nothing but put some other scumbag in office. Those elected have set the requirements so high as to try and even get on the ballot and challenge an incumbent, they have assured themselves a spot on the taxpayer teet...for life. WE have a serious, serious forthcoming problem in this nation.

They may know in theory what is going on economically for people in PA BUT with their salaries, benefits & unaccountability they have no understanding from personal experience what is it like...I as one PA resisdent lost my home, business location & apartments, which for me was my pension fund, to a project created by a PA Senator's law with no consideration as to how that law would affect individuals since it involved the employment of Eminent Domain to take if we did not sell!!!
So to hear about them having cadillac health insurance policies & what about the retirees health coverage & former reps???? Is beyond swallowing...
I am for these positions to STOP being jobs & become something like JURY DUTY! Let's have paid educated government employees & have citizens come in for 2-4 years stints to bring the voice of the people into the mix...BUT this is nutz...these people do not have to make a living in their areas, weld power & receive favors (too many to name), and do not have a transparency or accountability responsibility...People say vote them out...really...HOW ABOUT don't let Frankenstine roost!!!

I want to simply share with you something said by Travis Smiley about budgets..."They are moral documents"...That begs the question what do our budgets say about our morals, values, humanity???
From what I have seen from federal on down I am ashamed of the choices made & outraged that I am asked to accept unacceptable!

The problem isn't so much the individual. It is the institution. What started out many years ago as a representative of the people's work fell to corruption and greed. The original terms of serving as a people's elected representative were bent, curved, beat, and realigned into a well paying exclusive taxpayer funded job. This is way off course from what the designers of our Commonwealth Constitution had in mind. There is only one cure: Commonwealth Constitution. Change the rules back to where they belong. And there are only two ways for that to happen: our elected officials put forth a Convention. Or our Governor puts forth a Convention. Remember what the original terms of serving as a people's elected representative say for compensation: a fair wage and mileage reimbursement. Nothing about per diems, health care, pensions, cars, etc. That was all added later by the greed. In seeing Senator Pat Browne almost jam an NIZ down out throats basically scuttling our township budgets forcing a local tax increase so Allentown would get the money out of us one way or another for their fantasy arena...this goes to show you today the power and abuse that comes with office as well as what happens when an elected official gives a crap less about his constituents. He thought he was untouchable. Well his plan failed and so too will Pat Browne in the next election. He should be the #1 target on EVERY voters list.

it appears that our elected officials have their own agenda it unifies them party does not matter they will agree and do the best thing.. no not for us for them