SE Illinois News

Cory Musgrave, a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 109th District, said his goal is to "lead by example."

“I think it is important for elected officials to lead by example,” Musgrave told the SE Illinois News in announcing he plans to refuse a legislative pension if he is elected. “That hasn’t happened yet. We’ve still got politicians lining their own pockets and forgetting about the people. I believe the job is to serve constituents. Any kind of leadership I’ve ever been a part of, I’ve led by example. We need pension reform, and my plan is to lead by example.”

Musgrave said his plan also calls for a new law that would prohibit newcomers from being eligible for taxpayer-funded pensions.

“I’m sure some of them may not want that,” he said. “But I don’t believe that lawmakers should receive pensions. They’re there to serve the people, not line their pockets for the rest of their lives. We’re not just talking about compensating them for their service but rewarding them rest of their lives, which they can start collecting on in (their) 50s. Illinois needs legislators who are running for office to serve.”

Musgrave, who is running to replace Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), who recently launched his campaign for the state Senate in the 55th District, has made pension reform, pro-abortion legislation, Second Amendment rights and property tax reform the tenements of his platform. He has already secured Bailey's endorsement. 

“Illinois’s pension systems are underfunded by more than $250 billion,” he said. “Illinois also has the worst credit system in the nation. It is time to get serious about solving Illinois’ pension crisis.”