IFF - Idaho Freedom Foundation

Maybe people will see that certain agencies, specifically the Idaho Department of Correction and the Idaho State Police. These 2 agencies, that are dedicated to protecting the public (regardless of what some may say) are paid significantly less than other law enforcement agencies. For a Correctional Officer, someone who is locked in a prison with some of the most dangerous people in the state, starting wage is $13.14 per hour. A State Trooper starts at $15.50 per hour. Both of these jobs are dangerous. I work for the IDOC and only make $3 more an hour than when I started 5 years ago. For comparison, a Boise Police Officer starts at almost $20/hour and after 5 years can make over $25, not including yearly contract negotiations. The other problem is that state employees don't get raises when the starting wage increases for their position. I have co-workers that have been there for 2 years that make more than I do after 5. Bonuses are rare. State Employees most likely won't get raises for several years. Our benefits decrease or cost more, yet we don't get raises as compensation.

Also keep in mind that public employees, in general, should be compensated at a higher level than they are. People say that we are lazy. There isn't any higher percentage of lazy people than in any other organization. Also, wouldn't you want the most qualified people working for the state? Without an incentive to stay put, your most qualified employees will leave when something better comes a long. Yet the useless, lazy employees aren't desireable to other prospective employers so they stay put. I'm strongly considering leaving within the next few years, after my children are a little older.

Perhaps it would be nice if your site had starting wages, hire dates and current wages. That may put it into a better perspective for you.

Remember, it is fairly difficult to support a family on $17/hour ($30 when you add in my wife). I have a degree, and I use it in my job. I have stayed because I enjoy my job, but unfortunately, the low pay is becoming an issue considering I put my life in danger every time I go to work.

Ok then, all of you who agree to this, I want to know what you make, what your mortgage payment is, what your monthly credit card payment is, what the balance is on your card(s), what you spend every month on necessities, what time you eat, what time you pee....etc, etc. Where does it stop? Nobody has any business knowing what you make or where your money goes except YOU!!! Next thing you know privacy won't exist.

OurIdaho.com

So...just because you CAN means you SHOULD? I think you should if you can show how this action will significantly benefit taxpayers.
None of your organizations will get my support until you:
1. Convince me OurIdaho is not a red herring dedicated to inciting privacy/conspiracy theorists.
2. Define the (potential/real) public savings from OurIdaho.com. How does this action work?
3. Show as much diligence in tracking elected official's "compensation" from commercial (public)and private contributors.
4. Show as much diligence in tracking elected official's and their direct family assets

Until then, to me....your organizations are simply (redacted)looking for a few discontents.

Wayne,
Showing the base salaries of government employees is incomplete. You should also post what their total pay was for the year(OT, bonuses, etc all add up).

And FYI, I'm on your list and I think it's great! I have no problems with it because I work for every dollar I earn and will stand before any citizen with my head up. Keep up the good work!

The salary data is outdated and old. There are employees that have not worked for the state for over 4 months on your list. If you going to post this info. and least make sure it is accurate before doing so.

I had to see the doctor the other day, and was scheduled for surgery. The morning of surgery, I found it wasnt necessary. I confronted the doctor and he insisted I should still have the surgery. He tried some scare tactics too. The surgery would have cost me $13,000. And again it wasnt needed. We have this kind of crap happening in health care, and its costing us all a fortune, and your priorities on this web site is to post names and wages and make the government worker feel attacked? Really??? This is ridiculous! Reform our health care system, work for us as a society. Holy cow, most government workers dont make squat!! Leave them alone and pick on those that make so much and abuse the systems. Those are the ones that cost the tax payers so much!

This a complete and total violation of peoples privacy!! Its one thing to post salaries and keep an eye on the spending of the government, of which I totally agree, but to post peoples names and salaries out there is a violation of that persons privacy. We fight for our freedoms and everyone else can keep their wages confidential, why cant government workers? What next? Are you going to post our social security numbers too? Why not give more information to allow our identities to be stolen. Thank you all you dumb nosey hypocritical people!

For Christ Sake! You have ever body's name out there along with their salaries. You people think that I want everybody to know what I make, like co-workers' creditors, neighbors and every tom, dick and harry on the web. Get a life will you. Titles and salaries are fine, but names; I hope some body drops a class action suit on you.

I'm still gathering data. Give me a bit more time

After reading some of the comments on this subject, it appears that our government servants are just not getting it and for that matter - the general public.

So, in the best interests of disclosure, let it also be known that your medical information is public information (only in Idaho),including all public employees. We have the right to know exactly what medications our judges are taking so we can be sure they are coherent at the bench when they make their decisions. We have a right to see what kind of blood draws they are getting as well. This is not limited to just judges but includes all elected officials who have lawmaking duties as well as other administrative government positions, including lawyers. I know this, because Bonner County judges do it and the AG's office doesn't have a problem with it. Neither do our local representatives. After all, they would not want to lose that one attorney firm's campaign donation!

We also have a Wellness Committee so that judges can push for special hotlines over their mental health issues re: gambling and addictions. It's part of the minutes, the committee thinks it would be a good thing. Special people, like judges wives are appointed to this committee. How is that? As a public citizen, I want to know all about the judges and their wellness issues that revolve around thier inability to make good decisions.

Yep, that's right. No privacy for anyone here - and some folks are worried about their first names. What a joke.

Gee, Wayne, why aren't you on the media and courts judicial committee?

You guys are really awful putting people's full names on this website. How would you like all your neighbors knowing your salary? I dare you to all put your salaries on the front page of this website. I bet none of you have the balls to do it!!!!!

Creeps!!!

If you think paying a private company to do my job is a use of tax payers funds then you should publish the consultant’s salaries that do contract work for state agencies. I make $67,000 per year. A typical consultant doing the same job gets $80,000 to $150,000 per year plus 120%-180% overhead rate plus an additional 12% for profit.
For example a consultant that does the same job that I do who bills at the rate $60.00 /hr ($125,800/yr) get 160% added to their salary for overhead (health insurance, lights, office space, computer..Etc) $96.00/ hr and an addition 12% $18.72/hr profit for a grand total of $174.72/ hr. That money comes out of your taxes. I can assure most of the consultants do NOT do a better job than a public employee. I know because my job is to correct their errors before the projects go to bid and they make lots of errors.

Privatizing America does not equal freedom it equals billions of your tax dollars going to corporate America so they can live in multimillion dollar homes and pay zero taxes.

Are you going to disclose/get Bonner County salaries?