Ok so no pay raise at all. But cut amount they take out of social security now so it hurts me later. Increase my health insurance now, and give pay increases (up to 9%for some because its within OBM budget) to congressional staffers and tell me its fair that federal employees bear the same stress that the american public have been bearing. Uh, the "pay parity" law passed in the early 90's had a little loophole in it that allowed each pres. dem & reb. not give the full amount-and they never did. So when the economy was great, when there was surplus, when all was great and most were making great money-the fed employee trudged along with minimum increases knowing that they would stay the same. HUH? After 26 years working for uncle sam, I should know better. And they kept the tax cuts for wealthier-now does that make sense? Those cuts would have actually saved more money that the raise would have cost. But we have to pay. And they had Obama over a barrel, cause if he didn't agree, then they wouldn't agree to extend unemployment benefits. And of course it would be his fault. Not their unsportsman like behavior, their lack of fair play. I just hope next time Obama does a Clinton and let the government shut down. He needs to stick to his guns.

Yes, I am upset-and worried. You see, with that little bit extra we would still tread water-help my son and my daughter, help others and keep ourselves up. We aren't rich, never will be. I am a true independent politically-not registered with any party-always have been. I have voted all ways. But that little bit almost keeps up with the cost of health insurance. (almost-not quite.) We don't want much, but we want to be valued for the work we do to keep the government going, for keeping the roads clear, the money flowing, the lights on, the boundaries safe, the people whole. And we cut corners-do work on our own time, don't claim the hours we actually put in, the breaks we miss-the lunches shorted, the hours over-cause the money isn't always there but the work has to be done! Not to mention the times we wake in the night to resolve work issues-or the times DH researches tax law on his own time-and continues working because "it has to be done by a certain time"

I know "be thankful you have a job". Yes, I am. But I am not a doormat for the public to walk on. I have made a concious decision to work for my country-I have made sacrifices to do so-but don't stab me in the back at the same time-and don't make me the scapegoat for your spending habits-cut your wallet too!