Iowa government pay too high to sustain

Since 1987, Iowa has held the top spot for the largest pay gap between government workers and private sector workers.

In 2007, for example, the average private sector worker in Iowa earned $35,256, while the state employee earned $51,688 - a 49 percent difference.

The pay gap is calculated using the data provided in the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual publication “Employment and Wages, Annual Averages.”

Some may say, particularly those working for the state government, it is not state government wages that are too high, but rather private sector wages are too low.

While those of us in the private sector would appreciate higher wages, the difference is that in the private sector, a business cannot raise the price of its goods and services and compel its customers to pay the higher prices. Consumers have the choice to shop elsewhere or not buy the products at all.

However, if the state government needs additional funds to pay its employees, it has the option of raising taxes, and its “customers,” the taxpayers of the state, must pay. Given the current state budget crises, isn't it time we take a hard look at state employee salaries?

See more at: www.limitedgovernment.org

Dennis Kelly

Cedar Rapids