Democrats blast King on pay raise

This from the Iowa Democratic Party:

King votes to raise his salary during recession



Congressman Steve King was one of only 24 members to vote against a Congressional pay freeze of their current $174,000 salary.


DES MOINES, IA – Days after voting against President Obama’s economic recovery package that will save or create 37,000 jobs in Iowa, Congressman Steve King (IA-05) yesterday voted to give himself a raise. Contrast the Congressman’s actions with his fellow Iowans. Last year Governor Culver vetoed a pay raise for himself and other Iowa statewide elected officials. Most recently state employee’s agreed to a 0% raise in recognition of the current economic hardships.

Congressman King’s current salary is $174,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Iowa’s median household income is $49,200.

“In the midst of the worst economic recession since the Depression, with more Iowans and Americans losing their jobs and homes each day, it is deplorable for Congressman King to vote to increase his own salary” said Michael Kiernan, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “Thankfully every other member of Iowa’s delegation voted no.”

Wednesday Congress considered a spending bill, H.R. 1105, that included a salary freeze for 2010. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 398-24. Congressman King was the only member of the Iowa delegation to vote against the salary freeze.

“I think Congressman King is confusing Congress with Wall Street,” added Kiernan. “Hopefully next time he will think about Main Street.”