Politics & Government
McConnaughay Turns Down State Pension
District 33 state senator from St. Charles says she's already getting a pension from her service as Kane County Board chairman, and elected officials must lead pension reform by example.
State Sen. Karen McConnaughay, R-St. Charles, announced Tuesday that she has voluntarily turned down the legislative pension offered to members of the General Assembly.
McConnaughay is the former Kane County Board chairman.
"As someone who is already eligible for a pension after 20 years of service in county government, I do not believe it is appropriate to receive two pensions," she said in a Monday press release. "Pension reform is one of my top priorities in this legislative session. We must find solutions that preservethe retirement systems for our retired teachers and other public employees who have paid into the system throughout their years of service.”
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McConnaughay went on to say she believes elected government officials must lead by example.
"I hope this trend continues within the General Assembly if we are going to begin to make headway on Illinois' massive pension deficit," she said. "Without comprehensive reform, Illinois' pension obligations pose a legitimate long-term threat to our state's already faltering economy."
