Blago plan: Impeachment would cost future officials their pensions

SPRINGFIELD - If Illinois ever gets another state official like Rod Blagojevich, taking away his lucrative pension might be easier.

Legislation passed the state House Wednesday and is headed to the Senate that would prevent any constitutional officer from collecting a state pension if impeached.

State Rep. Keith Farnham, an Elgin Democrat, said the plan is inspired by Blagojevich even though it cannot target him. Blagojevich remains eligible to collect a hefty pension unless or until convicted of a felony charge.

He was arrested on federal corruption charges in December, then impeached and removed from office by lawmakers. That ended his $177,000 annual salary. But upon turning 55 he'd be able to get a nearly $64,000 pension. Blagojevich recently turned 52.

Farnham would like to send the message to future officials that they can't commit impeachable offenses and still keep their taxpayer-subsidized benefits.

"It sends a clear message out there that we just can't allow stuff like that," said Farnham. "We have only impeached and convicted twice so it is not like it is going to occur very often."