Didech and Link Advance Legislation to Crack Down on “Egregious Double-Dipping”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to reforming local government, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove advanced legislation today that would ensure Lake County Board members cannot collect salary benefits if they are receiving pensions benefits from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), otherwise referred to as “double-dipping” on taxpayer funds. Senator Terry Link has also introduced legislation to address this inappropriate use of taxpayer funds.

“Middle-class families in our community contribute taxes to fund our world-class schools, parks and other local services, not to give lucrative perks to politicians,” state Rep. Daniel Didech said. “I look forward to working with Senator Link to put an end to this practice of egregious double-dipping and to ensure tax dollars are being invested in our community and its families, not the pockets of politicians.”

Didech introduced House Bill 2729 – approved today in a hearing held by the Counties & Township Committee – which would prohibit members of the Lake County Board from receiving any compensation from Lake County if they are receiving benefits from IMRF. Didech’s legislation aims to prevent members of the Lake County Board from simultaneously collecting both salaries and pensions from previous service in the same governmental position. The measure passed the House Counties and Townships Committee today with bipartisan support.

Didech is also working on House Bill 3475, which would crack down on state lawmakers receiving multiple taxpayer-funded pensions and eliminate pensions for all future lawmakers. Didech himself opted out of receiving a taxpayer-funded legislative pension.

“I was shocked to learn that members of the Lake County Board are receiving benefits from their taxpayer funded pensions at the same time they are still receiving a taxpayer funded salary. It is unfortunate that members of the Lake County Board are taking advantage of this grey area in the law,” state Sen. Terry Link said. “I look forward to working with Representative Didech to close this outrageous loophole.”