Bill would end pension perks for former lawmakers who take state jobs at end of career

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press:  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Generous pensions for former legislators who win more-lucrative state appointments may become tougher to come by, if a southeastern Idaho Republican gets his way. Rep. Dennis Lake of Blackfoot is pushing to end special perks that allow a legislator who earns $16,116 for the part-time job in the state House or Senate to have his or her retirement pay based on their last 42 months of state service in a higher-paying job. For instance, former Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Geddes, appointed this year to the $85,000-a-year Idaho State Tax Commission chairmanship, stands to boost his monthly pension to roughly $2,500 from about $430. A previous Legislature created this benefit, but Lake told the House State Affairs Committee on Monday when he introduced his bill that the practice should end.