This is why the revolving door exists. Do what we want and we'll give you a high paying job afterward. There are former congressman currently making $3 million a year as lobbyists as soon as they leave office.
There are already voluntary (but expected) commitments from cabinet members not to engage in lobbying for five years (I think, may be more) after leaving office. I would make these commitments rules and extend them to all legislators, while in exchange adding a nice yearly stipend in the years immediately after office and dramatically increasing legislator pay during their one term (>$1M/yr).
There's only 535 of these roles and as their employer (a voter), I'd much rather have them directly over-compensated by us voters than indirectly compensated by special interests. I think it's fair (and a good deal for voters) to basically buy an "exclusivity" agreement from our elected representatives by paying them openly to contractually commit to not monetize their influence or relationships after leaving office.
There's only 535 of these roles and as their employer (a voter), I'd much rather have them directly over-compensated by us voters than indirectly compensated by special interests. I think it's fair (and a good deal for voters) to basically buy an "exclusivity" agreement from our elected representatives by paying them openly to contractually commit to not monetize their influence or relationships after leaving office.