Sep 20, 2011
Congressman Fleming complains about only having $400K a year after feeding his family
Representative John Fleming (LA-04) is drawing criticism for comments he made during a recent interview with MSNBC about whether Congress should take a balanced approach to reducing the deficit and whether millionaires should pay their fair share. Congressman Fleming made $6.3 million last year, but still complained that after routine expenses “by the time I feed my family, I have, you know, maybe $400,000 left over.” He went on to defend his outrageous comment despite average family in Louisiana earning $42,460 in 2009. Fleming has repeatedly voted to protect tax breaks for millionaires and corporate loopholes for Big Oil companies.
“It’s unbelievable how far out of touch Congressman John Fleming is with Louisiana families,” said Adam Hodge of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “While his constituents are struggling to put food on the table, or find a job, Congressman Fleming is complaining that he only has $400,000 a year left over after he makes his investments and feeds his family. Thousands of 4th district families would love to have Congressman Fleming’s problems and believe that millionaires like him should pay their fair share before we gut Medicare.”
Background:
Typical Louisiana Family Earned $42,460 in 2009. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income was $42,460 in 2009. [US Census Bureau Fast Facts, accessed 8/25/11]
Average Subway Sandwich Artist Salary is $13,000. According to Simply Hired, the average salary for subway sandwich artist jobs is $13,000. [Simply Hired, accessed 9/19/11]
Fleming Took in At Least $6.3 Million In Addition to His Congressional Salary. “Lawmakers have long supplemented their salaries, which for most in 2010 was $174,000, with money from other sources […] One lawmaker, Rep. John Fleming (R., La.), reported that he received more than $6.3 million last year from dozens of Subway restaurants, UPS Store franchises and real-estate partnerships. In lieu of a salary, he takes profits from his companies at the end of the year. One Subway franchise company produced more than $5 million in income last year, according to his financial-disclosure form.” [Wall Street Journal, 9/19/11]
Fleming Voted to End Medicare. Fleming voted for the House Republican budget. “The plan would essentially end Medicare, which now pays most of the health-care bills for 48 million elderly and disabled Americans, as a program that directly pays those bills,” wrote the Wall Street Journal. [H Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Wall Street Journal, 4/4/11]
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