DECATUR, IL – State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) announced this week that she has officially refused a legislative pension. The first-term legislator also called for reforms to future lawmakers’ pension benefits.
“As a candidate, I promised the people of this district that I would lead by example, and say no to this perk that legislators receive at the expense of working families,” Scherer said. “I will be working every day to restore fiscal responsibility to state government and stop the wasteful perks for politicians who have been in office forever.”
Prior to being sworn in as state representative earlier this month, Scherer submitted paperwork to the state department of Central Management Services, permanently opting out the General Assembly Retirement System. This decision is irrevocable. Additionally, Scherer called for reforms to the General Assembly Retirement System, including changes to pension benefits for all future lawmakers, limiting what politicians can receive.
“Reform that is fair to working families and taxpayers won’t happen overnight, but that’s no excuse for more inaction from the Legislature,” Scherer said. “Pension reform must protect the benefits that workers have rightfully earned, while keeping in mind this is a huge problem that must be addressed in order to keep our state afloat. I want to take action on the common-sense reforms that put hard-working families first.”
Scherer represents the 96th District, which contains portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties. For more information, please contact Scherer’s full-time constituent service office at StateRepSue@Gmail.com.
