Elected Officials Compensation and Ethics Act

Preamble

An Act to establish equitable compensation for elected officials, aligning their pay with the minimum wage of their home state, and to ensure ethical conduct in public office by prohibiting gifts and other forms of compensation.

Section 1: Definitions

1. Elected Official: Any individual holding an office elected by the public, including but not limited to members of Congress, state legislators, and local government officials.
2. Minimum Wage: The lowest legal hourly pay rate as defined by the state law in the elected official’s home state.

Section 2: Compensation Structure

1. Pay Rate
   • The salary of all elected officials shall be set at an hourly rate equivalent to the minimum wage of their home state.
   • This salary shall be calculated based on a full-time workweek of 40 hours, paid bi-weekly.
2. Healthcare Benefits
   • Elected officials shall receive healthcare benefits that are equivalent to those provided to workers earning minimum wage in their home state.
   • Such benefits must include comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

Section 3: Prohibition of Gifts and Additional Compensation

1. Gift Prohibition
   • Elected officials shall be prohibited from accepting gifts, monetary awards, property, or any other form of compensation from individuals, organizations, or entities while in public office.
   • Any item of nominal value, defined as less than $25, shall also be prohibited if it is given in connection with the official’s public duties.
2. Disclosure Requirements
   • Elected officials must disclose any gifts or compensation received prior to this Act and submit a report detailing such transactions to the appropriate ethics committee within 30 days of the Act’s enactment.

Section 4: Enforcement and Penalties

1. Immediate Removal
   • Any elected official found in violation of this Act shall be removed from office immediately, with no right to appeal the decision.
2. Special Election
   • Following the removal of an official, a special election shall be held within 90 days to elect a replacement, ensuring the continuity of representation for the constituents.
3. Ethics Committee Oversight
   • An ethics committee shall be established in each legislative body to monitor compliance with this Act, review any reports of violations, and enforce penalties.

Section 5: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage and shall apply to all current and future elected officials in the United States.

Conclusion

The Elected Officials Compensation and Ethics Act aims to promote fairness and integrity within public office, ensuring that elected representatives are compensated in line with the needs of their constituents while maintaining high ethical standards in their service. This Act reinforces the principle that public service should not be motivated by financial gain but by the commitment to serve the community.