Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) said the recent passage of House Bill 418 will prevent retired police officers who are already receiving a pension from earning a second pension if they take on a new active-duty position.

“The loophole in current law that allows double-dipping into the police pension systems is costing municipalities and local taxpayers a fortune,” Wehrli said, according to a press release. “Retired law enforcement officers have earned their pensions, but they should not be entitled to multiple pensions that we can’t afford. Our pension liability is the largest burden taxpayers face. Without reforms, the pension funds are headed toward insolvency. Closing this loophole is one step toward making sure that doesn’t happen.”

Wehrli worked to guide the bill through the House and cooperated with Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville), who shepherded it through the Senate. The legislation, which is now headed to Gov. Bruce Rauner, allows retired officers who accept a new active-duty position to enroll in a 401K-style plan.

“Illinois’ pension system is in dire need of repair as our pension liabilities continue to rack up,” Connelly said, according to the press release. “While I recognize that many changes need to occur within the current system, this legislation at least gets us going in the right direction.”