Springfield, IL... On Friday the Governor called a Special Session for lawmakers to consider pension reform to save the State's growing pension crisis, however, no true reform was enacted.
State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) was disappointed with the legislation presented and voted against Senate Bill 3168 Amendment #3 because it lacked the needed reform.
"Today's Special Session was nothing more than a political theatre," said Morthland. "It was disappointing that no meaningful pension reform was presented to us. Illinois needs a comprehensive package and not to merely put a one-quarter of one-percent dent in an $83 billion problem. You can't fix big problems with bad bills. I strongly oppose the Governor's plan to shift the cost of our pension problem to downstate and suburban taxpayers. Nothing was accomplished today because the Governor has spent more time talking to the media than he has working with the leaders and lawmakers to come up with a fair and comprehensive solution."
In addition to pension reform, the Illinois House of Representatives voted in favor 100-6 to expel indicted State Representative Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) from the Illinois House. Rep. Smith was arrested March 13, following an undercover investigation by the FBI; Smith now faces federal bribery charges for allegedly accepting a $7,000 cash bribe.
Rep. Rich Morthland voted in favor of expelling indicted State Representatives Derrick Smith.
"After the culmination of a several-months long internal House investigation by two bi-partisan committees, it is clear former-Representative Smith severely violated his oath of office and abused his position and the public trust." said Morthland. "Smith's actions have given our state yet another black-eye. It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this place. I take no pride or joy in expelling another member of the House."
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