Federally subsidized vs. Private barbershops on Capitol Hill....which makes a profit?

[Little-Acorn]

From a local BBS:

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A small but very revealing experiment is going on in the United States Capitol.

Both the Senate and the House have barbershops. The Senate barbershop is federally subsidized, while the House barbershop is a private for-profit business.

So which is more efficient? Which provides the best service for the lowest price?

You guessed it. Reports The Daily news site:

"While the Senate barbershop is federally subsidized, the House barbershop is a private business. Its three employees, one of whom is part time, are independent contractors. The House barbershop was privatized in 1994, a decision that House Republicans made after they took control of the lower chamber for the first time in decades.

“The dueling business models of the congressional barbershops have produced different financial results. While the Senate barbershop required a $300,000 federal bailout last year, the House barbershop turned a profit.

“And while Senate Hair Care Services, the formal name for the Senate barbershop, is not charged a dime for its work space, House Cuts pays the government $2,000 to $3,000 in rent each year."

The House barbershop charges far less for haircuts and shaves, too.

And people want the government to run our healthcare system? Right.

[fj1200]

How does a barber shop need a bailout. :panicsmiley:

[jimnyc]

Are we paying for the barber shop in the Senate? WTF? These guys can't afford to pay for their own haircuts?

[Nukeman]

From a local BBS:

--------------------------------------

A small but very revealing experiment is going on in the United States Capitol.

Both the Senate and the House have barbershops. The Senate barbershop is federally subsidized, while the House barbershop is a private for-profit business.

So which is more efficient? Which provides the best service for the lowest price?

You guessed it. Reports The Daily news site:

"While the Senate barbershop is federally subsidized, the House barbershop is a private business. Its three employees, one of whom is part time, are independent contractors. The House barbershop was privatized in 1994, a decision that House Republicans made after they took control of the lower chamber for the first time in decades.

“The dueling business models of the congressional barbershops have produced different financial results. While the Senate barbershop required a $300,000 federal bailout last year, the House barbershop turned a profit.

“And while Senate Hair Care Services, the formal name for the Senate barbershop, is not charged a dime for its work space, House Cuts pays the government $2,000 to $3,000 in rent each year."

The House barbershop charges far less for haircuts and shaves, too.

And people want the government to run our healthcare system? Right.Well lets not forget that there are 4 times as many congressmen as senators. So I'm sure thats why there is a difference, of course it doesn't say how many employee's there are in the Senate barber shop does it..

couldnt possible have ANYTHING to do with this...


At the Senate barbershop, formally called Senate Hair Care Services, the top four barbers and stylists made more than twice that — $54,761; $70,349; $73,658; and $81,641 — plus they have a generous 401(k) plan, health care and paid vacation. In all, the government contributed $230,000 in benefits for the barbershop, the Senate Appropriations Committee said

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/02/13/021312-news-senate-barbershop-1-4/

Keep in mind that is the top 4 stylist not the total number of folks working there, the congressional one only has 3 employee's... hmmm they make between 22,000 and 30,000 a year plus pay rent... typical govt bullshit!!!!!!

[Missileman]

How does a barber shop need a bailout. :panicsmiley:

I imagine it is expensive to cut the hair growing on the inside of those Senatorial skulls. :laugh2:

[sundaydriver]

Nukeman;533383 Well lets not forget that there are 4 times as many congressmen as senators. So I'm sure thats why there is a difference, of course it doesn't say how many employee's there are in the Senate barber shop does it..


And you must take into account a Senators ego is 4 times that of a Congressmans. That must take a lot of time to massage that ego while in the chair.

[Little-Acorn]

And many times it's harder to find any hair on a Senatorial head. They have to charge extra for the time spent searching.