Pro-Hamas Supporters Tried Ambushing a GOP Congresswoman. She Shut Them Down.
Let Them Destroy Each Other
Biden’s a Boon for America’s Foes
Seems Odd That Democrats Still Don’t Get This About Trump
Unveiling the Myth: Democrats, PRRI, and the Christian Nationalist Specter
Bibi Ignores Biden
This Has Never Been About Justice
MSNBC Host: Donald Trump, Like Richard Nixon, Is Racist
If You Can't Tell the Bad Guy in Israel Versus Hamas, You're the...
Why Communism and Socialism Fail
Defying Odds, Biden Figures Out a Way to Make Federal Permitting Law Even...
The 'Death to America' Crowd
A Message to VP Kamala Harris- Respect the Other Side of Choice
The 'Death to America' Crowd
The Most Dangerous People in America: College Professors
OPINION

Keep the Federal Pay Freeze

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

The Washington Post is reporting that the Obama administration will propose a 0.5 percent cost-of-living pay increase for federal workers in its upcoming budget. The paper says that “the modest cost of living increase in federal compensation would be the first pay jump for federal workers since before President Obama ordered a two-year freeze in late 2010.”

Advertisement

That’s not quite accurate. USA Today recently reported that average federal worker wages rose 1.3 percent in 2011, or slightly more than the 1.2 percent increase in average private wages. The federal increase, while modest, occurred despite the pay “freeze” because increases from “longevity, merit, and promotions” were not covered, the paper noted.

In late December I noted:

 Lawmakers should extend the wage freeze, but they should also reduce overly generous federal worker benefits. For example, lawmakers should repeal the defined-benefit pension plan received by federal workers because it comes on top of the 401(k)-style retirement plan that workers already receive.

I fear that as the economy gains strength and starts expanding, policymakers will forget that we’ve still got a $1 trillion budget deficit. Even with growth, we’re still heading for a Greek-style debt crisis unless we pursue major spending cuts. So Congress should decline Obama’s request and retain the federal pay freeze for a few more years. At the same time, policymakers should pursue cuts to excessively generous federal worker benefits.

Advertisement

Controlling federal worker costs is only part of the budget solution, but it does make economic sense because pay and benefits have risen so rapidly over the last decade.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos