In addition to not getting any sympathy, the legislature also gets no credit whatsoever for the efforts they are making. When was the last time you were able to get 183 people from all points on the ideological spectrum to agree on one comprehensive proposal? Its not an easy thing to do.

Also, let's not start talking about salaries, lest I start comparing our legislators' salaries to those of legislators in other states. Not to mention what they lose every year from their regular jobs. (And,by the way, I don't think there is a single proposal out there that doesn't give teachers a pay raise.) Of course, they did put themselves up for it, you have a point if you use that argument. But, until you're ready to offer some suggestions instead of constant criticism, I think we can all cut them a little slack.

Oh, and the 150,000 out of 535K businesses paying taxes...
Uh, yeah, that was a franchise tax system devised by Democrats, believe it or not, that has lead to the problem we have today.

Ok, maybe I was a bit too serious and need to soak my brain gin for awhile too, but I thought I would throw it out there for comment.

Legislators get a 'phat' retirement benefit that teacher's don't. A $1500 pay raise is a joke, I wipe my ass with $1500. And constant criticism? Uhm, dude...that is what we DO.

Another comment about the Texas Franchise tax. Most do not know or understand but Partnerships formed in Texas do NOT pay ANY state taxes (including the Franchise tax) They are exempt by law.

And what group of professionals in Texas form partnerships children?? Could it be... hmm.. why its doctors, accountants and lawyers!! These professional partnerships represent one of the largest cash donations to the Texas legislators.

Now children we can see why it is so very difficult to put in a new "business tax" or increase the scope of the current Franchise tax to include the very people that put them there to begin with. Now go and form your own Texas tax-free LLP!

I agree that $1,500 is too low. I never said I supported "Gov. MoFo's" plan, or the others that called for 1500. The Senate, though, was calling for $3,000, which is pretty significant. My point was that they all offer a payraise of some sort.

The retirement of which you speak isn't really all that hot when you consider how much money legislators lose each year while serving in Austin. But I see your point. Repairing TRS and making it sound for the long-term should be a priority.

Edmonton dominated the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night and the 4-0 margin in Game 6 makes it hard to imagine the Oilers not hoisting hockey's Holy Grail above their heads in less than 48 hours. And it would not come as any shock to see defenseman Chris Pronger, who had another 31-minute night, take the honors for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.