Your Money – Politicians Out to lunch

Top 10 perks for members of congress

You Won’t Believe All The Crazy Perks Members Of Congress Get For Free (At the Taxpayers Expense)

1. Tax Deductions
   Members of Congress procure a bonus tax deduction each year for living expenses. This extra $3,000 deduction is something only lawmakers are privy to.
2. Access To A Free On-Site Gym
   House and Senate members enjoy access to exclusive gyms equipped with the latest tech. From heated pools, to basketball courts.
3. A Plush Office
   The Congressional Research Service says every senator gets at least $40,000 — maybe more – to furnish their home-state offices.
4. Serious PTO
   Our nation’s representatives were awarded more than 220 vacation days in one year – all paid, by you.
5. Healthcare Freebies
   72% of the cost of the premiums are covered by you, plus low-cost care through the Office of Attending Physician & free outpatient care at military facilities.
6. A Cushy Retirement plan
   Congress members have access to both 401(k) and Pensions. Those who serve just five years are guaranteed annual pensions of at least $14,000.
7. Free Parking
   Records show congressional use of the free parking benefit cost taxpayers more than $132,000 in 2015.
8. Death Benefits Better Than Military’s
   Surviving family members are entitled to death benefits equivalent to one year’s salary – a minimum of $174,000.
9. Fun Money
   They enjoy access to the Members’ Representational Allowance. The allowance varies from $2.5 million to $4 million depending on the population of their state.
10. Flying For Free
    Perhaps one of the more expensive congressional perks is travel. USA today reports Congress spent at least $14.7 million on taxpayer-funded trips in 2016.

All on your dime

Many of these congressional perks – and there are many – are grandfathered in from laws enacted decades ago.

So how do we solve this?

Pay attention, get involved, VOTE for the right people that really care about this country, and meme like crazy.