Did you know that your state legislators are getting a big pay increase this year? They will be paid $1,194 more per year in salary during the 108th General Assembly than they earned in last session.

The new base salary for state lawmakers will be $20,203. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will now be paid $60,609, $3,582 more than the $57,027 he made last year.

Legislators also receive an extra $1,000 a month for a home office allowance. Not bad for working part time.

I like what Texas Gov. Rick Perry suggests: Work half the time (like our lawmakers do) and get half the pay.

WARREN VEST

Johnson City