Pres. Obama freezes bonuses for political appointees

[bigtree]

(AP) – 17 minutes ago

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday froze any cash bonuses or similar discretionary pay boosts for political appointees, calling it a prudent example of cost-cutting at a time when many families are just trying to get by financially.

The move is expected to affect at least 2,900 people on the federal payroll and save about $1.9 million a year. Obama has also suggested a salary freeze for senior political appointees throughout the government, but that move would take the approval of Congress.

Obama spelled out his directive on the bonuses in a memo to agency and department directors. The freeze takes effect immediately and lasts through the budget year ending September 2011.

"I appreciate the hard work of our federal work force, and understand how important these payments can be to many workers and their families," Obama said. "Yet like households and businesses across the country, we need to make tough choices about how to spend our funds."

The move does not apply to federal workers who are not political appointees.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5juhVDg85mdDrCHjiqsdoYaKsK1hAD9HCAGFG0

[Tansy_Gold]

1. Affects at least 2,900!!! Saves about $1.9million!! WOW!!

n/t except for :sarcasm:

[RC]

2. That's all well and good, but

What are you doing to get living wage jobs for all the under and unemployed?
:::crickets:::

I see...