Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) is the latest freshman member of the legislature to decline a state pension.

With the state mired in an ongoing financial crisis that is mostly driven by its soaring debt and bubbling pension crisis, Weber said, his decision demonstrates his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his sense of service to his community.

“We have a pension crisis in Illinois, and those elected to solve the state’s financial problems shouldn’t be adding to the strain already placed on overstretched taxpayers,” Weber told the Illinois Review. “My experience as a small-business owner has taught me how important is to operate within your means, and Illinois needs to learn the same.”

With the average legislative pension easily topping $60,000 as far back as 2017, Weber said, he would like to see more lawmakers follow his lead.

“Considering the state estimates the pension debt at more than $130 billion for the five pension systems, and some outside estimates put that figure even higher, I don’t believe any new members of the General Assembly should be entering the pension system,” he said. “I’m glad I won’t be adding to the problem.”

Weber defeated his Democrat opponent, Trisha Zubert, in the 64th District in November with nearly 60 percent of the vote.

The 64th House District includes parts of Lake and McHenry counties along with Crystal Lake in the south and the Chain O’Lakes up to the Wisconsin border.