Hypocrisy: Branstad's Lack of Sacrifice

Terry Branstad was elected Iowa's governor in November.  He had previously served in various state positions, including governor, from 1973 until 1999.  As a result, he is entitled to a $50,000 per year pension for his state service.  He also is receiving a $130,000 salary each year.

However, since taking office, Branstad has been pushing for current state employees to pay more on their benefits and to give back an increase in their salary.  His justification is that the budget crisis requires a sacrifice by state employees.

While I am not quibbling with the idea that sacrifices need to be made, it appears to me that Branstad is being hypocritical in accepting both salary and pension.  Is he entitled to both?  Yes.  But that does not make it right, nor appropriate to do so when trying to get others to make monetary sacrifice. 

Branstad's lack of sacrifice is hurting the message he is sending. 

It also highlights a disturbing trend in his administration: fixing the numbers.  Branstad is claiming that there is a budget shortfall of over $700 million.  However, the budget shortfall is actually around $350 million - the additional amounts are from a proposed tax break.  The amount of sacrifice Branstad is trying to cover actually includes a generous business tax reduction.

Apparently, not all have to sacrifice equally.  Or even at all.