Why Pensions for Ex-Lawmakers?

Dear Editor,
    Re: pensions for ex-lawmakers. The public is not permitted to view the pension packages of ex-lawmakers. It's always “open government” on their terms.
    Why the heck are (part-time) legislators, who meet only several weeks every two years, getting a retirement package at all? That's been one of my questions for years, and no one has answered it.
    And why let Rick Perry get a salary and his retirement package at the same time for being a part-time governor?
    Some things are just plain idiotic! It’s time for some big changes in our state government.