Live After Quit

“Mike Johnson: The People’s Speaker, Bucking the Trend of High-Dollar Assets

Everyone expects the House Speaker to be a powerful political figure with an appropriately high status lifestyle. After all, the speaker is the one who stands before the U.S. House of Representatives and guides the day’s legislative agenda. However, there is a bipartisan trend of House Speakers purposely keeping their financial assets low. One example of this trend is Mike Johnson, who has become the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the state of Louisiana. Johnson is a true man of the people and doesn’t have any of the immense wealth that most House Speakers across the nation have acquired. Johnson is a practicing attorney and has been working in the legal industry for years. He is also a dedicated public servant and has held multiple positions in the past, from representing citizens of his local district in state legislature and to working his way up to the U.S. House of Representatives. Furthermore, Johnson’s humble lifestyle reflects on all aspects of his public life. In his first year as House Speaker, Johnson refused the usual perks such as a housing allowance, out of pocket payment, and expense accounts that all other Speakers usually accept. Instead, Johnson takes pride in managing his own funds and living within his means. Through this practice, Johnson shows that public office can be used to advocate for the voiceless and represent those that may have limited access to the American political system. He sets the groundwork for other upcoming House Speakers to remain true to their beliefs in public service. Moreover, it is worth acknowledging that speakers for the House of Representatives are elected by the people. It is only fitting that their lifestyle align with the very same citizens that voted for them. Also, even without the luxury lifestyle that comes with wealth, leaders such as Johnson can still lead the nation forward. In the end, Mike Johnson is a beacon of hope for citizens worldwide who hope to serve and improve their nation. He is a prime example of what public service means and how it is possible to serve and still live a modest lifestyle.