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Lawmakers Says Metra Perks Unfair
(IRN)-State Representative Jack Franks (D-Marengo) says Metra's Board of Directors will receive about $175,000 in salary this calendar year, and roughly $90,000 in health and pension benefits. He's introduced legislation that would put a stop to those benefits… and in the meantime, he wants to clean house.

Franks says Metra's board members are classified as employees, which allows them to receive what he calls "lucrative" health benefits that go untaxed.

Franks, who sits on corporate boards, explains members should receive 10-99's to fill out when they're given health benefits and stipends. But instead, they're given W-2 forms.

Board members should receive stipends and travel reimbursements, he says, but not health and pension benefits when some of them already have health benefits.

"Jack Schaffer has taken over $105 thousand in Metra paid health care, even though one of his state pensions provides free health care," says Franks. "He and other board members are receiving full time benefits for very part time service."

House Bill 1516 would eliminate compensation, pension and health benefits for members of Regional Transportation Authority Board, Suburban Bus Board, Commuter Rail Board, and Chicago Transit Authority Board. It awaits review in the House Mass Transportation.

(Source: Illinois Radio Network)
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