Crespo Votes to Restrict Access to Taxpayer Funded Pensions, Highlights Importance of Bipartisanship

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to cut costs of government and eliminate expensive perks for politicians, state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, voted to pass House Bill 291, which would restrict access to taxpayer-funded pensions for elected officials who work less than 1000 hours a year.

“What recent investigations have uncovered in the municipal pension system, is outrageous,” said Crespo. “The state is dealing with an unprecedented financial crisis, and every dollar counts.”

Crespo voted to pass House Bill 291, which would prohibit any part-time elected official from participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Recent investigations have found that some elected officials are in line to receive taxpayer-funded pensions for life – some of whom only work works less than 20 hours a week. House Bill 291 would require all future elected officials to work no less than 1000 hours per year in order to be eligible for pensions.

“Serving in public office should be solely about one’s commitment to improve the lives of the constituents they represent,” said Crespo. “I will continue working will all of my colleagues to ensure tax dollars are invested in services for families and to improve our communities, not to make politicians richer.”

House Bill 291 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Crespo represents the 44th District, which includes portions of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.