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Group Calls for Ouster of All State Troopers
The looming layoff of 450 state troopers is not a problem to a taxpayer advocate.

The layoffs are an effort to save $32 million. Jim Tobin, head of National Taxpayers United of Illinois, says laying off all 2,000 state troopers would save even more money. Tobin says if troopers aren't patrolling the interstates, local police and county sheriffs can do it. He'd like to see the speed limit repealed too, so there's less need for enforcement.

Tobin also complains that state troopers are overpaid and have pension benefits that are too lavish: A first-year trooper's base salary is $52,376, and after 26 years and eight months, a trooper will make over $100,000, according to the State Police Merit Board. Pensions are 80 percent of a state employee's final salary, with annual cost-of-living increases. Tobin says if a trooper retires at age 52, that can amount to $3 million in pension payments over his remaining life.

State Police Director Jonathon Monken testified that the loss of troopers will result in the loss of $12 million in speeding ticket revenue. Tobin says that's a benefit to drivers.

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 02 10 by Newsroom
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