McSweeney Seeks to Eliminate Pensions for New Legislators

A press release from David McSweeney:

Rep. David McSweeney Introduces Measure to Prohibit New Legislators from Participating in the Legislative Pension System

Springfield, IL – State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has introduced legislation to end the legislative pension system for new members of the General Assembly.

David McSweeney

“I have voluntarily opted out of the legislative pension system since I became a member of the General Assembly.

“I think it sends the wrong message to taxpayers to force them to fund legislative pensions when the state can’t pay its own bills,” McSweeney said.

“Right now, opting out of the legislative pension system is voluntary.

“My legislation would eliminate the pension system for new members.”

House Bill 293 would prevent newly appointed or elected legislators from participating in the General Assembly Retirement System (GARS) beginning in the next General Assembly in 2020.

Lawmakers receive excessive benefits when compared to other public servants.

Under the GARS formula, lawmakers are able to receive up to 85 percent of their salary as of the last day of service, whereas Tier 1 teachers in Illinois can only receive 75 percent.

A lawmaker need only work 20 years to reach their maximum percentage, compared to 34 years for Tier 1 teachers.

“Being a state legislator is supposed to be about public service,” McSweeney said. “Service should not be about receiving lifetime pension benefits. If we want to end the egregious legislator pensions, we must enact legislation to do it.”

House Bill 293 has been introduced and awaits assignment to a House Committee.


Comments

McSweeney Seeks to Eliminate Pensions for New Legislators — 2 Comments

  1. Geez, now they will have to line their retirement benefits in some other way. Hmmmmmm.

    “Being a state legislator is supposed to be about public service,” McSweeney said. How long have you lived in Illinois?

    Sounds great, but a snowballs chance in hell.
    Do you even know Mike Madigan?

  2. Re: “Sounds great, but a snowballs chance in hell.”

    Hey! He got his name in type again! He is learning well from his mentor!!

    Next he too will announce “what time does the movie start” legislation, just like his mentor!

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