No legislative pay raise

The perennial topic of legislative pay has returned in advance of next year's session, though it's hard to think of a more unlikely time to make the case. The state budget continues to suffer from declining revenue. Public schools and colleges are faced with cuts and state agencies are having a difficult time maintaining basic services.

Yet advocates for higher pay say that it will increase interest in running for the Legislature, citing the lengthy six-month session as an impediment to those who have to make a living otherwise. In part, that argument is based on the $10,400 annual legislative salary. But that's not all they get.

Legislators also receive $12,000 a year to pay for what are described as "in-district expenses." There are no restrictions on what that money can be spent on, and lawmakers are required to report it as income for tax purposes.

Meanwhile, legislators receive $110 per day for food and lodging during the session, plus a mileage allowance.

Senators get $3,400 for postage and other office expenses, and House members, $2,800.

The retirement package for legislators is particularly attractive. So much so, that legislative contributions to the fund are but a fraction of the amount needed to pay out the benefits that legislators have allotted themselves for their golden years.

The state contributes nearly 80 percent to fund legislative retirement, or about three times the rate for general state retirees.

Legislators can tap into their retirement after eight years of service, compared to a 28-year requirement for state employees. Legislators are eligible for retirement beginning at age 60.

Altogether, legislative pay and benefits aren't too shabby for what is supposed to be a part-time job. Like most folks, legislators probably believe they are worth more than they receive, though most probably wouldn't admit it, particularly during an election year.

In any event, their pay and benefits should surely should be sufficient for what promises to be another tough year on the state budget front.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell told our reporter that he'd rather see a shorter session instead of higher pay. Cutting the session from six to four months would encourage more participation by South Carolinians, he said.

As it is, the Legislature does much of its necessary work during a mad rush near session's end. Shortening the session would encourage better time management and would cut the $50,000 weekly expense to the taxpayers. In tough times like these, every little bit helps.