Shortly after the news broke that Chip Cravaack moved his family to New Hampshire, it made me think…. is he using the taxpayers to secure his retirement? I think yes.
To receive a pension for life in congress, members must serve a total of 5 years. (source) However, the exact amount is not listed on the official site. It does state that the salary must not exceed 80% of the final salary, which is currently $174,000.
So, it is obvious that Chip will try to reach that 5 year goal to ensure health benefits and a pension for his family. That explains perfectly why he is running for another term in 2012.
Mind you, this will be on top of the disability that Chip is currently receiving from Northwest Airlines, which totals $92,273/year due to the disability benefits he receives from Northwest Airlines. (source) He is receiving this disability until 2024 for a treatable condition, sleep apnea. Treatment for this condition is as easy as wearing a mask while you sleep at night. Can you say “Thank You Union?” Ironically, Chip has been standing along with his party to try to squash unions (source), while a lot of his main constituents in Northern Minnesota are hard-working, union iron workers that have put many hard years in the mines. Mind you, he was also the union steward while he was with Northwest. (source)
Add onto this, his Navy retirement for his 24 years of service. He currently does not receive these benefits, due to him being a member of congress. But he will start getting these benefits after he is done with being a representative. This salary can vary, and it is not clear on how much he will get. But I do know it is comfortable enough for a modest living in our area. (source).
Adding it up: He might get a congressional salary (if he serves 5 years), keep getting his disability, get his Navy retirement, and get health benefits for him and his family for life. Most of which, will be paid for by us, the tax payers.
Chip – you are welcome and congrats on setting yourself up for a healthy retirement on my back.
Hopefully you will have a nice retirement in New Hampshire. I know I will be paying for it.