More Pay Raise Fallout

Great Editorial from the Belleville News.

No to pay raises
5/5/2008

Editorial, Belleville News Democrat

"I need a pay raise. I need a pay raise." That was Senate President Emil Jones' reaction last week when reporters asked him about the raised recommended for lawmakers and other state officials.

Clearly he wants a raise. But needs? He's making $91,869 this fiscal year. Not bad for a part-time political post.

If the pay raise proposal goes into effect -- and it will automatically unless lawmakers block it -- Jones would make $102,597 in fiscal 2010. Rank-and-file lawmakers' salary would go from $65,398 to $73,035. The governor's salary would go from $171,034 now to $192,905.

If lawmakers had any shame, they would refuse the money. They just got a 9.6 percent raise in November 2006. More importantly, they haven't done anything to earn another raise.

During the good times in recent years, they squandered their chance to get state finances in order as other states did. Despite robust revenues until recently, Illinois' pension funds are among the most poorly funded in the nation. Lawmakers have not addressed the multibillion liability facing taxpayers for retiree health care benefits.

The state's deficit at the end of fiscal 2007 was $3.6 billion -- the absolute worst in the nation.

In the business world, where compensation generally is based on merit, lawmakers wouldn't be getting a pay raise, they'd be getting their pink slips.

But expect them to thumb their noses at the taxpayers and take the money. They think they're entitled, no matter how dismal their track record.

No wonder they won't let the voters decide whether they want the power to recall elected officials.