There's nothing like a lame-duck session to give Illinois lawmakers courage -- except maybe a job offer. Politicians who were too afraid to take difficult stands because the election was approaching suddenly are bold now that it's over. Especially the lame-duck lawmakers who are leaving. This year a $2 fee has been tacked onto auto registration. Last time it was a 66 percent income tax hike.

There really should be a rule. Lame ducks should not be able to impose taxes on the rest of us on their way out the door. They are no longer accountable to the voters and worse, there is nothing to stop them from trading their vote for a job.

Six of the 12 lame-duck lawmakers who voted for that income tax increase -- some of whom were against the tax increase before they were for it -- now have high-paying government jobs.

Coincidence, you think?