"Do as I say", Dennis? No recession for the former Republican SOTH!

[DailyGrind51]

CHICAGO TRIBUNE Editorial


Mr. Hastert’s perks

"Just like families must live within their budgets, the federal government must live within its means. We have passed appropriations bills that have been fiscally responsible while recognizing our national priorities."

That was then-House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, congratulating himself and other Republican leaders in the 109th Congress for being frugal.

Such talk of smart spending was a staple of Hastert's rhetoric when he was in office. So why is he still spending taxpayers' money more than two years after leaving office?

Federal law allows a little-known perk for former speakers — a taxpayer-funded office anywhere in the country for up to five years. Taxpayers fund the rent, utilities, staff, travel expenses and other incidentals related to the office, which are intended to "facilitate the … conclusion of matters pertaining to or arising out of" the former speaker's duties in the House.

So, Mr. Former Speaker, conclude already.

The Tribune reported last week that Hastert has taken advantage of that quirky perk to the tune of more than $1 million in taxpayer money. He pays three assistant-type staffers more than $100,000 a year, rents an office for $6,300 per month and travels — staffers in tow — in an $860-per-month SUV.

Hastert spokesman Brad Hahn is quick to point out that the former speaker is technically entitled to spend this money, and more. Yes, he's entitled because Congress likes to take care of its own. Congress talks about being frugal, but it's much better at preserving its sense of entitlement.

And what's $1 million to Congress? Like the pennies and dimes you drop in a change jar.

One reason Hastert's no longer speaker: People grew tired of Republican talk that wasn't matched by reality. When Republicans controlled Congress, they spent and spent and spent. They preserved Washington's gross sense of entitlement.

Hastert, who is well into a new career as a lobbyist and business consultant, still believes he's entitled to an office and a car and three staffers, all provided by taxpayers.

He spent years telling us he was opposed to wasteful government spending. It's never too late to make good on his word.

Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-hastert2-20100219,0,5984579.story

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. He could claim it under meal expenses and no one would be suspicious.

[KharmaTrain]

2. All That Money Couldn't Buy His Son His Old Seat...

Here's a plea to DUers to help Bill Foster hold onto that seat...a true Progressive who now represents Hastert's old district. Gym Teach Denny continues to be a disgrace...and a hypocrite...but then he's a rushpublican, so he gets a free pass. Kudos to the voters in the 14th District who rejected Hastert Jr.

There needs to be a law passed (doubtful considering how toxic our legislative is) to automatically strip all government perks the moment a former politician cashes their first lobbyist check.

Enjoy your "retirement" Denny...far away from the political arena as possible.