CITING GROWING GAP WITH PRIVATE SECTOR, SCOTT BROWN CALLS FOR FEDERAL WAGE FREEZE

Uploaded on December 21, 2009 by State Senator Scott Brown. All rights reserved.

Citing rapidly-escalating federal pay levels, U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown today proposed a temporary pay freeze for federal workers until a plan is devised for controlling government spending and debt. In 2008, the average wage for 1.9 million federal civilian workers was $79,197, which compared to an average of $50,028 for the nation’s 108 million private sector workers.

When worker benefits are included, the gap is even more pronounced -- federal worker compensation averages $119,982, more than double the private sector average of $59,909. (Source: Cato Institute)

In addition, the number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has skyrocketed during the recession, according to a USA Today analysis of federal salary data.

“I recognize that our federal workers do important work, but it’s not right that lesser-paid private sector workers suffering through a recession have to pay for expensive government salaries,” said Brown. “Lavish pay and benefit packages have unfortunately become a way of life for public employees. It’s time to bring fiscal sanity to Washington.”

Brown said his opponent Martha Coakley is too beholden to union bosses to pursue the reforms necessary to restrain expanding federal worker compensation because all the big public employee unions have endorsed her campaign.

“Because I don’t owe anybody anything, I’m free to tell the truth and fight for what’s right for all the people of Massachusetts. That’s the type of senator I will be -- free to speak my mind, and act in the best interests of the people I represent,” said Brown. ###

Scott Brown for U.S. Senate Committee. 200 Reservoir Street, Needham, MA 02494 | info@brownforussenate.com | 781-444-0200