Quinn Bars Benefits To Ex-Transit Board Members
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that prevents transit board members from receiving taxpayer-funded health care and pension benefits after they leave the boards.
A sponsor of the legislation, Marengo Democratic Rep. Jack Franks, said it was ridiculous for board members of Metra, CTA, Pace and RTA to be entitled to "free health care for life" after "going to a meeting or two a month."
Quinn's action Tuesday came as the board of the Metra commuter rail agency continues to be criticized for a $718,000 buyout of ex-CEO Alex Clifford, who had only eight months left on his contract when he resigned June 21.
Clifford's buyout and the circumstances surrounding it have been the focus of an RTA audit and an Illinois House Mass Transit Committee hearing.
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