Last Friday Rep. Brett Hulsey put out a press release announcing his intention to pass a “Governor Accountability Act” that will tie Scott Walker’s pay to the average salary of state workers as determined by the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics.   Lest anyone think the proposal is anything but a gimmick, Hulsey’s press release states:

“The Governor should lead by example and link his pay to average worker pay,” Hulsey said. “Gov. Walker says teachers should be paid based on student performance, so his pay should be based on worker performance.”

See what Rep. Hulsey did there?  Likely he’ll get some mileage out of this stunt.  Certainly a speech on the Assembly floor attacking Republicans for being unwilling to tie their Governor’s salary to worker pay as well as mention or two on the campaign trail can be expected.

Legislators from both parties partake in this type of silliness, particularly when they are in the minority.  Maybe it plays well in partisan caucus or helps with fundraising, but outside of these insular circles it looks like the legislature is more concerned with politics than legislating.

So what happens if the impossible occurs and Hulsey’s act become law?  According to his own release, Governor Walker’s pay will be reduced to $117,312 from $144,000.  To put it another way, time and energy would be spent to make a political point while exactly nothing addressing the economic and social needs of Wisconsin and its citizens is accomplished.