Taxpayers fleeced in bailout of Senate barbershop ‘institution’
Taxpayers fleeced in bailout of Senate barbershop ‘institution’
America’s most distinguished leaders get their hair cut at the Senate barbershop, but taxpayers are the ones really getting clipped.
The barbershop ran almost $300,000 in the red last year but received an infusion from Senate coffers that is keeping it in business, the Senate sergeant at arms, Terrance Gainer, told The Daily.
A federal bailout isn’t that unusual since the economic downturn, but some senators didn’t even know their salon was in hot water — and don’t think it should be, considering what they pay for a little off the ears.
A shampoo, cut and blow dry is $27 and highlights are $105, according to the barbershop’s website. A trim costs $20, more than double what Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., gets charged when he goes to his barber back home.
“I give him $12 with a tip,” Leahy said.
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/02/13/021312-news-senate-barbershop-1-4/