Letter to Members of
Congress on Compensation for Senior Federal Officials
Dear
Senator: (Dear Congressman:)
On
Fair
compensation for those who bear the responsibility for effective functioning of
our government is critical at this juncture of history. The American people
expect excellence at the top levels of government, and they deserve to get it.
But our Founding Fathers also envisioned a citizen government whose members are
drawn from all parts of our society.
We
must not allow Federal service to become the province only of the wealthy. We
must ensure that the door to service remains open to Americans who must work to
support their families, educate their children, and save for their retirement.
As it now stands, government service for any significant length of time
presents a financial burden that fewer and fewer of those who are most highly
qualified can afford to accept.
Since
1969, salary levels for senior Federal officials -- executives, legislators,
and judges -- have declined 35% in constant dollars, while the compensation of
workers in the private sector has kept pace with inflation. To remedy this
situation, the Commission has recommended salary levels for senior government
positions that are comparable to those earned by individuals of similar
responsibilities in the nonprofit private sector, such as universities and
hospitals. The Commission's recommendations would only bring these Federal
salaries to a level approaching that of their 1969 purchasing power. In fact,
the salary paid to a Member of Congress in 1969, if increased solely to match
the inflation that has occurred since then, would amount to $140,340 -- more
than the Commission recommended. It is important to note that the cost of
implementing the Commission's pay recommendations would be absorbed within the
fiscal year 1990 budget -- it would not add to the deficit.
I
join the Commission in urging Congress to abolish the current system used to
supplement inadequate Federal salaries through payments from private special
interests. The ban on honoraria should take effect at the same time as the
proposed pay levels take effect. The current system undermines public faith in
the integrity of senior Federal officials, particularly in the Legislative
branch. Congress should move immediately to enact legislation that takes a
comprehensive approach to the problems posed by honoraria, including payments
for articles, speeches, and appearances, and other forms of financial benefits.
During
my Presidency, I have been impressed with the ability and dedication of the
senior Federal officials who serve our country. It is in the Nation's best interest
to attract and keep highly qualified individuals for senior government
positions. I ask you to support the bipartisan Commission's unanimous pay
recommendations to ensure that the American people continue to benefit from the
government service of highly talented Americans.
Sincerely,
Ronald
Reagan