A tax day question for my Representative

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

The Speaker of the House of Representatives is paid a salary of a bit over $200,000 [pdf]. The average American citizen's annual federal tax liability is approximately $7000, which means that there are 30 people whose entire yearly tax contribution goes toward paying your salary.

According to Roll Call and the Center for Responsive Politics, and based on your Financial Disclosure forms, your net worth is well into 8 figures. This puts you comfortably ahead of 95% of Americans. My question is...

Will you take the opportunity today — out of respect for Americans' difficult economic times, our President's call for a new era of responsibility, and our government's spending priorities — to announce that you will accept a salary of only $1 for the rest of your time in public service?

Kind regards,

Matt S
Your humble constituent
15 April 2009

Comments

[Lizard]

I read your blog and want to support your effort. My husband and I attended our "Tea Party" in upstate New York along with 4000+ strong supporters. It was a success and hope the organizers now turn their eyes toward organizing a national "Tea Party" in Washington DC.

[Matt S]

Thanks for reading! I hail from upstate myself, a lovely city called Schenectady. I went to see Ms. Pelosi speak instead of attending the tea party here. She didn't take my question. ;)