Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Thayne
This isn't a wealth-level issue, but it's related: Rank conveys Status, and according to the rules "If you get Status free from Rank (p. 29), you need only pay the cost of living for your Status before this bonus, not for your final Status level. Someone else – your organization, the taxpayers, etc. – covers the difference." This certainly fits heads of state and top military officials, but I don't think is particularly accurate for for most members of Congress. Members of Congress have budgets for carrying out their official duties, but they're strictly prohibited from spending that money on personal expenses. Similar restrictions apply to how they spend their campaign budgets. Congressional salaries look competitive with those of doctors, lawyers, etc. but they're legally required to maintain a residence in their home state. That means they either have to maintain two residences (which can really do a number on your pocket money) or sleep on a cot in their office (some non-wealthy members actually do this). It would be really nice if we had a better table of "actual lifestyles enjoyed by people in various jobs".
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Pretty sure they're allowed to spend that money on lodgings in DC, travel to and from DC, and any other travel related to holding office, and for Senators and At Large members of the House can likely also use the money to pay for lodgings in their State Capitals.