Originally Posted by Beer Belly
Originally Posted by hawndog
We do very much need to cut the size of government. Firing working people is not the way to do it. People going to work every day are not the problem.


I don't think you understand the size of the problem. Most people have never looked at the numbers.

20 million gov employees
130 million private sector employees

Total individual income tax collected (including gov employees) = $2.2 Trillion + corporate tax = $2.3 trillion
= $4.5 trillion total
Gov employees cost the US = $3.3 TRILLION per year. (Salary + Benefits + Pensions (only) = no perks, travel, lodging, food, etc)

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How much do all gov employees cost? Chat GPT

The total cost of government employees in the U.S., including salaries, benefits, and pensions, is substantial. Here's an estimate based on federal, state, and local employment data:
Step 1: Total Government Employees
Federal: ~2.9 million civilian employees
State & Local: ~17 million employees
Total: ~20 million government employees

Step 2: Salary Costs
Federal: Average salary ~$95,000 → $275 billion
State & Local: Average salary ~$70,000 → $1.19 trillion
Total Salary Cost: ~$1.46 trillion

Step 3: Benefits (Healthcare, Paid Leave, etc.)
Benefits typically add ~40% to salary costs.
Total Benefits Cost: ~$580 billion

Step 4: Pension Costs
Public pension liabilities (state & local) require ~$1 trillion per year in funding.
Federal pensions add ~$250 billion per year.
Total Pension Cost: ~$1.25 trillion

Step 5: Grand Total (Salary + Benefits + Pensions)
💰 Estimated total cost: ~$3.3 trillion per year



Right. The government should not be the biggest employer in the country. This is long past due.

" I do view Jim Waltz as a really good Presidential candidate"
Bama_Earl