Joliet Councilman Wants To Curb Free Lifetime Benefits
JOLIET, Ill. (WBBM) -- There would be no more free lifetime benefits for elected officials in Joliet, under a proposal backed by at least one city council member and a candidate for alderman.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Julie Mann reports, Joliet councilman Joseph Shetina says as many as six possible proposals to end the benefits are in the works.
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Right now, the policy provides free lifetime health care to council members and mayors after they have served two terms.
Shetina, who is seeking reelection, says he has been approached by business leaders who want the city to end that practice.
The Joliet Herald News reports the city is forecasting a $21 million deficit in 2012.
The change would affect future elected leaders, although the Herald News reports there might be an attempt to make past members of the Joliet City Council pay a premium for health care.