Gov. Ed Rendell's decision to tie a legislative pay raise to an increase in the state's minimum wage is destined to trigger a new round of contentious debate in Harrisburg.

While a hike in the minimum wage - not as much as Rendell proposes - is a legitimate matter for discussion, not so the legislative-pay-raise issue.

Pennsylvania lawmakers already are well-enough compensated - and they already receive annual cost-of-living increases. There is no justification for them to receive compensation above those cost-of-living adjustments.

The fact that the Keystone State's part-time legislature allowed itself to evolve into virtually a full-time occupation - due in large part to uninterrupted, divisive partisan politics - isn't state taxpayers' fault. The taxpayers should not have to reward the legislature for its failure to do its job in an expeditious way.

Most Pennsylvania residents would feel blessed with the $69,700 that lawmakers are paid, plus the annual cost-of-living raise, plus $7,800 a year in vehicle expenses, plus fully paid health insurance, plus fully paid pension. Meanwhile, lawmakers residing more than 50 miles from the capital - all Butler County lawmakers fall into that category, of course - receive an additional $129 per day for expenses.

The law of supply and demand affirms the adequacy of lawmakers' pay and fringe benefits. In most instances, there is no shortage of people vying for a legislative seat; many people salivate over the prospect of "tasting" such a plum.

If the job wasn't so lucrative, so many people wouldn't be interested in "serving the state's taxpayers."

With such lucrative pay and benefits, it would seem that lawmakers' bosses - the voters - would be more demanding in terms of legislative efficiency and accountability. Instead, they accede to the way things currently are done by voting for political party over quality of service.

And now, there's talk of more pay for that less-than-excellent service and it's being tied to the minimum-wage issue that is worthy of well-meaning consideration without any side issues holding it hostage.

Rendell wants to raise judges' pay; that is one issue that should be considered on its own merits. The issue of raising the state's minimum wage is a separate issue; 17 states and the District of Columbia have state minimum wages that exceed the federal minimum wage of $5.15. Rendell wants to increase Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $7.15 an hour over time from the current $5.15.

But the brakes should be applied to all discussion about a legislative pay hike that would be effective in January 2007. Lawmakers were aware of the legislative pay when they sought office; they apparently regarded the pay as acceptable then.

If it's no longer acceptable, they can opt for full employment in the private sector. The General Assembly would continue to function without them.