In February, Rep. Brian Higgins made the decision to step down from his position in Congress. He chose to pursue a new opportunity as the president of a local performing arts center.
It was an interesting decision made by the New York Democrat, who had dedicated 19 years of service in the House. He departed nearly a year before the completion of his current term, thereby reducing the vote margin for House Democrats while Republicans were also starting to leave in large numbers.
“The pace in Washington, DC can be slow and frustrating, especially this year,” stated Higgins in a November statement about his upcoming resignation. It had only been a few weeks since the House was consumed by a tumultuous battle to select a new speaker following Kevin McCarthy’s removal. Higgins later expressed his disillusionment with the increasing polarization and gridlock that had plagued the capital.”
Just a few weeks later, Higgins assumed the role of president and CEO at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, home to a renowned theater that dates back to 1926.
According to the financial disclosure documents filed by Higgins with the House Clerk on Friday, his new position offers a generous salary of $305,000.
The annual salary for Higgins, as well as all other rank-and-file members of the House and Senate, has increased by $131,000, making it a total of $305,000.
The House Clerk is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of the House of Representatives. This includes maintaining official records, managing the legislative calendar, and providing support to members of the House. The Clerk also plays a key role in the process of passing legislation, ensuring that bills are properly recorded and distributed to members for consideration. Additionally, the Clerk assists with the organization of committee hearings and other House activities.
Higgins isn’t just cashing out by accepting the new job.
During interviews and press appearances, the former congressman has consistently expressed his vision of using his new role to enhance the economic prosperity of his beloved hometown. His primary responsibility will be to oversee the expansion of the theatre complex, a significant cultural establishment in Buffalo. Additionally, he has expressed his desire to attract tourists from neighboring Canada to further boost the local tourism industry.
If his sole intention was to increase his income, there are numerous more profitable options available, such as lobbying, consulting, or becoming a member of a corporate board.
It serves as another example of the motivations that long-serving lawmakers and potential candidates encounter, especially during a period when Congress is not particularly productive.
Members of Congress have not received a pay raise since 2009. While $174,000 may seem like a substantial amount compared to the average American’s annual income, both lawmakers and ethics experts have pointed out that it fails to adequately compensate for the demands of their job. This includes the need for frequent travel, maintaining two residences, and working long hours. If congressional salaries had kept up with inflation over the past 15 years, they would be exceeding $250,000 today.
Lawmakers have less motivation to stay in their positions due to stagnant pay levels since 2009. This lack of incentive contributes to decisions like the one made by Higgins.
According to Daniel Schuman, the director of governance at the POPVOX Foundation, paying lawmakers adequately reduces their motivation to seek additional compensation elsewhere, resulting in improved public service. As he stated earlier this year, “That’s just human nature.”
Running for Congress becomes even more challenging for individuals who do not possess substantial personal wealth.
“If we are to have working-class individuals, who do not depend on personal fortunes, representing the people in Congress, we must ensure that it is feasible,” stated Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York in an interview with Business Insider in January.
