A few years ago, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved legislation that provided free and full health care for life to retired legislators 50 or older with 10 years of service. One is hard-pressed to find such a lucrative private-sector counterpart.

Yet, for the most part, it is those of us in the private sector — employees and business owners alike — who are paying the freight for our loyal and dedicated legislators. Former House member Ed Krebs of Lebanon County, who retired with 12 years of service, puts it right out front.

"It's a good benefit. There's no question, especially when compared to what other people get in society."

According to recent reports, the full and free lifetime health-benefit package provided to retired members of the General Assembly mirrors the coverage provided to active members. Legislative health-care benefits include medical/hospital, dental, vision, prescription drug and long-term care. This equates to an individual expense of $14,282 for senators and $13,040 for representatives.

When these legislative benefits are coupled with their pensions and other legislative perks (vehicle leasing, per-diem allotments, etc.), we, the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, are quite generous to our retired and active lawmakers.

As we stand at the outer parameters of the spring primary election season, our lawmakers must accomplish the following:

Introduce and pass legislation calling for the mandatory repayment of any and all outstanding unvouchered-expense money awarded in the now-rescinded July pay hike. It's our money, and it must be given back.

Introduce and pass legislation increasing the state sales tax to 8 percent from 6 percent across the board on all items and services. There must be no personal or itemized exemptions. In other words, everyone should pay on everything. With the money generated by the 2-percentage-point sales tax increase, lawmakers should be able to find a way to effect property tax relief and fiscally responsible funding for education. I advocate the sales tax increase because I am sick and tired of politicians putting further taxes on my income (personal income taxes, wage taxes, etc.).

Begin immediate and real steps to bring legislative pensions, health-care benefits and general "perks" in line with their private-sector counterparts. The private sector is paying the largest share of the freight in these matters; we have the right to demand that our state elected officials hear us and respond to what we advocate.

Introduce and approve a constitutional amendment instituting initiative and referenda for the people of Pennsylvania. This call is being made because this state's lawmakers have abused their duties and respective institutions (House and Senate) for too long.

To my fellow taxpayers and voters, I say this:

"We stood up in July and we were heard. We must continue to stand or we will cease to be heard."

This is Politics 101.

Remember all of this as we enter the spring primary election season. Remember all of this as we vote in the primary election.