D’Amico Backed Bill to Prevent Part-Time Politician Pensions Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure supported by state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, that would reduce the number of politicians that can receive a pension passed the House Wednesday and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“With the state facing significant financial difficulties, we need to prioritize spending for vital services and reduce waste and inefficiency,” D’Amico said. “Having taxpayers foot the bill for the pensions of politicians who are not working anywhere near full-time is certainly spending I would classify as wasteful.”

D’Amico supported, House Bill 291 which mandates that part-time elected officials must work at least 1,000 hours in a year—roughly 20 hours per week—before being able to qualify for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Locally elected officials that conduct work infrequently would be most impacted.

“Some of these part-time politicians are meeting once a month, only for a few hours, and receiving a full taxpayer-funded pension,” D’Amico said. “That’s an unacceptable deal for taxpayers.”

For more information, please contact D’Amico’s full-time constituent service office at 773-736-0218 or at johnd@ilga.gov.