Benefit cuts for RTA, Pace, Metra board members?

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Chicago-area transit boards wouldn’t get health care or pension benefits under a plan approved by the Illinois House Friday.

Current members of the Regional Transit Authority, Pace, Metra and Chicago Transit Authority boards would get to keep benefits they’ve already earned. But future members wouldn’t be eligible for benefits.

The plan, from state Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat, was approved by a 106-0 vote and now moves on to the Illinois Senate.

It’s not the first time Franks has targeted the transit boards for money savings. He says they work part-time and shouldn’t get full-time benefits.