Franks wants to eliminate transit boards' benefits

Pay, health care and pensions would be eliminated for board members of Chicago area mass transit agencies under proposals by state Rep. Jack Franks.

The Woodstock Democrat said he submitted four bills ahead of the start of the state legislature's veto session today. The bills would affect the boards of the Regional Transportation Authority, Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.

“I don't think anyone can justify paying board members who meet very infrequently and giving them health benefits and pensions,” he said by phone Monday on his way to Springfield. “These boards are just stocked with patronage people. These are people who don't have any expertise and are only placed there because of who they know, not what they know.”

A Pace spokesman said none of the board would comment on the possible legislation because they have not read the proposed bill. Pace board members receive $10,000 a year, can access the agency's health care program and are eligible for pensions, the spokesman said. Calls to Metra seeking comment from board members were not returned.

Franks' bills also call for the board posts to be elected positions in the future rather than appointments by county board chairmen, as they are currently.

“I want it all changed,” Franks said. “There's no reason anyone on the board should get a pension for the little time they actually work. They should not get health benefits. And I could fill those boards with people who would gladly serve for free.”

Franks said he believes his bills have a good chance of becoming law because of the current climate against pensions and government benefits. He said he is making the push now because of the state's poor financial outlook.