Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Reiterates Call to Eliminate Hastert's Pension Benefits

SHOREWOOD, IL – Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant called on the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation revoking disgraced former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert’s pension benefits. Hastert recently reported to federal prison to serve a 15-month sentence for illegally paying to keep an alleged sex abuse victim quiet.

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“Taxpayers shouldn’t be left to pick up the tab for this child predator, or any other member who abuses the public’s trust,” said Bertino-Tarr­­­­ant. “We need to update legislation to ensure that Illinois General Assembly members who abuse the public’s trust lose their pensions.”

In May, Bertino-Tarrant filed SB442 to remove pensions of members who commit a felony against a student or another victim. Under current law, members may continue to receive pension benefits if the convicted crime did not occur during time in elected office. The bill currently sits in the Senate Committee on Assignments.

“It’s time to update the law,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “He confessed to molesting children. His pension needs to be eliminated. Period.”

Following the announcement of Hastert’s guilty sentence in May, the Illinois’ Teachers Retirement System moved immediately to revoke Hastert’s pension. Hastert continues to receive a pension from the Illinois House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress.

Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has represented the 49th Legislative District in the Illinois State Senate since 2012. A life-long educator, and former Will County Regional Superintendent, Jennifer is a strong advocate for education, working families, and small business growth. She resides in Shorewood, IL with her family.