As the Biden Administration pushes for an 8.7% pay raise for federal workers, many conservatives have been quick to speak out against what they call an unnecessary and expensive move that will only add to an already bloated government budget. While Democrats have argued that these individuals deserve better for their dedication and service on the frontlines throughout this crisis period, it is important to remember that a pay raise of this magnitude is not necessary in order to show appreciation.
This proposed 8.7% pay raise would add billions of dollars of additional spending in 2021,from public funds that could be used more efficiently and effectively elsewhere. This comes after President Joe Biden gave federal workers a 4.6% increase this year, which is already one of the largest increases in decades and threatens to continue putting taxpayers’ wallets at risk.
It is also worth noting that while some Federal workers certainly faced personal attacks from the Trump Administration and endured hardships due to furloughs and shutdowns during his tenure, this does not absolve them from blame for the current situation. After all, as recently as 2019 over 530 Federal employees were found guilty or pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges for activities including bribery, fraud, embezzlement, misuse of Government funds or assets etc., demonstrating a lack of accountability within certain sections of the workforce. As such any proposed pay increase should be made with caution and should be carefully considered before implementation rather than simply being handed out as a reward for political loyalty or convenience sake.
What makes matters worse is that according to the National Federation Of Federal Employees union president Randy Erwin, federal workers are still owed backpay from when they were furloughed during the Trump administration – money which will not be addressed if Biden’s plan goes forward as intended. It seems wrong to offer a new pay raise while existing debts remain unpaid; doing so sends a message that new debt can simply be piled on top of old ones without consequence – something highly unwise in any economic system regardless of budgetary size or scope.
At the end of the day, it may well be prudent for Congress to look beyond surface level appeals and consider the wider implications of passing such legislation at this time. A pay increase for Federal employees may seem like a positive thing on paper but its real world consequences could be far less desirable than intended; it could lead to increased debt levels as well as further incentivize inefficient behavior by certain sections within government without actually addressing pre-existing grievances properly. With all things taken into account therefore it may very well be best if Congress look elsewhere with regards to how they wish to show appreciation towards these individuals going forward – especially since there are other methods available by which they can do so without risking taxpayer money in the process!
