Writing on the blog of the Illinois Policy Institute, Kate Campaigne point yet another example of budgetary shenanigans in Illinois: Senator leaders refuse to convene that chamber.

There's work on the budget to be done, but here's one reason why it's in the interest of Senate leaders to stay out of session: If they don't convene until after the November election, they automatically get a pay raise.

In Illinois, legislative salaries are set by an independent committee. But the Legislature can vote down the pay raise. The House already has.

If senators think they should get the raise, fine. They should go on record and then make the case to voters.