We have still another example of how the state of the economy is forcing even the sneakiest public officials among us to be more open and above-board.

In 1989, Congress built in a system to guarantee itself annual wage and benefit boosts without much public scrutiny. The only way the hikes would be sidetracked would be through special legislation to deny them. Otherwise, they just slipped through automatically. Some senators and representatives donated their raises to charities but others took them silently.

There were periodic efforts by members of Congress to force a vote every year, in the spotlight, on raises and benefit increases. But it wasn’t until recent layoffs, pay cuts and salary freezes got such a grip on our society that proper action was taken. The Senate recently moved against the automatic activity. Will the House follow suit, as it should?

Said the Chicago Tribune about the “sunshine” move:

“As bosses go, the American taxpayer is notoriously hard to please. History will be made the day (all of) Congress gives itself a raise without a round of grousing from the citizenry. It’s no wonder lawmakers prefer the passive approach to enhancing the paychecks. But it’s cowardly and self-serving, and it’s time for it to stop. Lawmakers should have to take an up-or-down vote, in broad daylight, before helping themselves to another penny of taxpayers’ money.”

Then how about further legislation to the effect that Congress will get no more pay and benefit hikes until we have a balanced budget and the national debt is significantly slashed?