We have no problem with our elected officials being wealthy. We are troubled?when they use their political office to amass wealth. We also feel that wealthy people are going to naturally be more sensitive to the issues facing affluent Americans. This is why we like for our elected officials to be more able to relate to Americans who aren’t wealthy
Currently, 35 percent of Congress members have a disclosed net worth of at least $1 million.
From Roll Call:
Each year since 1990, CQ Roll Call has reviewed the financial disclosures of all 541 senators, representatives and delegates to determine the 50 richest members of Congress. This year’s report, derived from forms covering the calendar year 2013, shows it took a net worth of $7.47 million to crack the exclusive club. For the first time, we went a step further by publishing a ranking of every single lawmaker by their minimum net worth. That full list with breakdowns of members’ assets and liabilities is found below.
Click the map to enlarge it.
From Vox:
Note that these are only minimum net worths. That’s because when members of Congress file financial disclosures, they only have to estimate a range of assets, not nail down an exact amount. CQ Roll Call uses the lowest numbers in these ranges, so their wealth estimates ? and this map ? are actually quite conservative.
Some details:
- Darrell Issa of California is the richest member of Congress.
- Half of U.S. states have at least one member of Congress worth $9 million or more.
- 7 states have members who are workt $60 million or more.
- Only three states don’t have millionaire Congress members: Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota.
Not all members of Congress are wealthy. You can view the ?wealth and assets of every single member on the Roll Call website. Below is a short?video that shows the methodology used to compile this list.
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Tiffany Willis is a fifth-generation Texan and the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
