One of the problems that happens when dozens of birds flock together is that, oftentimes, they leave behind a big, stinky mess.
That goes for the geese and ducks that flock along the banks of the Fox River. And it goes for lame-duck legislators who flock together after even-year November elections.
Put 118 state representatives and 59 state senators in their respective chambers, with lame-duck members totally free of the worry of voter retribution, and they might just leave a big mess behind, too.
The most infamous lame-duck session of the Illinois Legislature in recent years happened in January 2011. That’s when outgoing lawmakers joined forces with the powers that be to enact a big income tax increase on individuals and businesses. Here's the rest of the editorial in Northwest Herald.