The following is a list of current (May 2016) legislators who turned down their pension. Is your Rep on this list? If not, ask why.
State of Illinois legislators (38) who have declined to take a state pension:
House (34)
- Steven Anderson, R-Geneva*
- John Anthony, R-Plainfield*
- Mark Brainsick, R-Plainfield*
- Avery Bourne, R-Raymond*
- Peter Breen, R-Lombard*
- Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park
- Tim Butler, R-Springfield*
- John Cabello, R-Machesney Park*
- Katherine Cloonen, D-Kankakee
- C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville
- Scott Drury, D-Highwood
- Brad Halbrook, R-Charleston
- Josh Harms, R-Watseka
- Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton*
- Sara Jimenez, R-Leland Grove*
- Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon*
- Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego
- Dave Leuchtefeld, R-Okawville
- Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill
- Karen McConnaughay, R-Aurora
- Margo McDermed, R-Frankfort*
- David McSweeney, R-Cary
- Anna Moeller, D-Elgin
- Thomas Morrison, R-Palatine*
- Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines
- Jim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove
- Reggie Phillips, R-Charleston
- Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove*
- Sue Scherer, D-Decatur
- Silvana Tabares, D-Chicago
- Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville*
- Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake*
- Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego*
- Kathleen Willis, D-Addison
Senate (4)
- Belinda Bush, D-Grayslake
- Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park
- Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill
- Julie Morrison, D-Des Plaines
* Denotes current HB sponsors
Non-legislators who advocate against the state legislators’ pension system:
Governor Bruce Rauner (R)
Comptroller Leslie Munger (R)
Note: Although not in the above list of names; in 2011, former State Treasurer and State Representative Dawn Clark-Netsch (D) paid back $10,000 from her pension to the state.
Current status of the General Assembly Retirement System (GARS)
Net Present Assets | $56,789,460 |
Actuarial Total Liability | $323,379,470 |
Unfunded Liability | $266,590,010 |
Percent Funded | 17.56% |
Active Participants | 158 |
Beneficiaries | 421 |
Average Salary | $71,114 |
Pension reform must start somewhere. True leaders pave the way for the future. How will your grandkids see and hear about you?!?!
Is the cost of living in Chicago that high that only one Representative form the City declined to receive a pension?