Presidents’ retirement perks
January 20, 2009
President George W. Bush may be riding off into the sunset, but he is hardly leaving the government payroll. Former Presidents get pensions, benefits, money for staff and travel, Secret Service protection and all kinds of benefits that your normal retiree can only dream about.
While in office, Mr. Bush made $400,000 a year in salary. His retirement package reduces that paycheck to a paltry $191,000, a figure tied to the current salary for a Level I federal executive.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
To give you an idea of what a Bush retirement might cost the American taxpayer, here’s a list of how much the government budgeted for ex-presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton for 2008:
| Item | Carter | Bush | Clinton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension | $191,000 | $191,000 | $201,000 * |
| Staff Salaries | $96,000 | $96,000 | $96,000 |
| Staff Benefits | $2,000 | $64,000 | $65,000 |
| Travel | $2,000 | $56,000 | $50,000 |
| Rental Payments | $102,000 | $175,000 | $516,000 ** |
| Telephone | $10,000 | $17,000 | $79,000 |
| Postage | $15,000 | $13,000 | $15,000 |
| Other Services | $83,000 | $76,000 | $65,000 |
| Printing | $5,000 | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Supplies | $5,000 | $15,000 | $26,000 |
| Equipment | $7,000 | $69,000 | $35,000 |
| TOTAL | $518,000 | $786,000 | $1,162,000 |
* Clinton requested $10,000 of health insurance benefit be applied.
** Clinton’s higher rental allowance reflects the fact that his office is in New York City.
Note: These costs do not include Secret Service protection. Clinton is the last U.S. President to receive Secret Service support for life. George W. Bush and those who follow will be given free protection for 10 years after they leave office.
Source: Office of the Budget, General Services Administration
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