Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Blago eligible for $15,000 annual congressional pension; Dold proposes banning felons from receiving them

As you all know, disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison for various corruption charges. But he is still eligible to collect a $15,000 annual pension when he turns 62.

Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL) has introduced a bill, the Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2011, that will block felons such as Blago from collecting a taxpayer-funded pension.

The Chicago North Shore congressman also issued a statement:
I am pleased that the jury reached a consensus and I think it is time that we focus on the important issues like creating jobs for the people of our great state and reining in out-of-control government spending. Earlier this month I introduced a bill that would stop taxpayer funded congressional pensions from going to convicted felons like the former Governor. Enough is enough. We need to work together to create jobs and stop wasting the taxpayer's money.
Blago will likely forfeit his state pension, his predecessor, George Ryan, lost his when he was found guilty of fraud and racketeering in 2006. Prior to being elected governor, the Chicago Democrat served three terms in the House of Representatives.

Related posts:

Blago sentenced to 14 years in prison
Kinzinger statement on Blago prison sentence
Daily Show clip: Jon Stewart on Illinois governors ending up in prison

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