question regarding presidential visits

[LoveTrains]

Last week, Pres. Obama visited a college in Connecticut before heading on to Boston for a fundraiser. I believe when he made the speech at the college he was also joined by several New England governors (CT, RI, Mass, maybe others). I think during the visit he made a speech about increasing the minimum wage.

Now my question - I have a colleague who is pretty conservative. She and I are close friends, and we try to keep our politics conversations to facts.

She told me that she heard a rumor that the school/university had to pay Obama for making the speech there. Does anyone know where I could research this? She said she has several family members that are very upset that the school would pay Obama (like money in his pocket) for making a speech that they feel should be part of the presidential duties.

Anyone know where I could research this? I have been googling and coming up with nothing. I understand that past presidents can command large sums for speaking fees, but I wasn't sure if this applied to sitting presidents, too. I am wondering if the rumor stems from the fact that the school probably had to pay for increased security on campus? but I am puzzled at the thought that any sitting president would collect speaking fees like she is suggesting. 

[Cicero]

Was the speech part of the fundraiser?

[LoveTrains]

Mar 11, 2014 8:25:57 GMT -5 Cicero said:

Was the speech part of the fundraiser?

No. The speech was in Connecticut at Central Connecticut State University.

The fundraiser was in Boston later that night. The speech was not part of the fundraiser at all. Students and faculty were invited to attend the speech at the university. 

[lys]

When Obama came to our college town to speak early in his first term, he was not paid, but it sure cost the city a ton of money for etra security, road closures etc.

[LoveTrains]

Mar 11, 2014 8:32:52 GMT -5 lys said:

When Obama came to our college town to speak early in his first term, he was not paid, but it sure cost the city a ton of money for etra security, road closures etc.

Yeah that is what I am guessing happened but I am wondering if anyone knows for sure where I could find out. 

[thebulldog]

Where are they hearing we was paid? There are certainly costs associated with a presidential visit but he does not get a speaking fee.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[orangeblossom]

I doubt he was paid. Honorarium are generally forbidden as a federal employee, and I would think even the president would fall under that rule.

If yuu do get paid, ands that's a big if, there are tons of hoops and paperwork to allow it, and really it's generally not allowed. You may be able to accept travel and lodging, but actually speaking - No.

[Deleted]

Mar 11, 2014 8:38:05 GMT -5 orangeblossom said:

I doubt he was paid. Honorarium are generally forbidden as a federal employee, and I would think even the president would fall under that rule.

If yuu do get paid, ands that's a big if, there are tons of hoops and paperwork to allow it, and really it's generally not allowed. You may be able to accept travel and lodging, but actually speaking - No.

This. I'm pretty sure he can't accept gifts of more than $25 or whatever the limit is (unless it is a state gift and then it technically belongs to the gov't/his library etc). 

That's why after he retires he'll get big $$$$ going on the lecture circuit

[thebulldog]

3 US code chapter 2 outlines the compensation of the president but doesn't say anything about speeches.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

Mar 11, 2014 8:45:48 GMT -5 thebulldog said:

3 US code chapter 2 outlines the compensation of the president but doesn't say anything about speeches.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

In same vein...5 US code 7353 talks about gifts if you want to use that.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.