By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Former Illinois Governor George Ryan is not commenting on the decision of a state board to strip him of his nearly $200,000 annual pension.
State officials ruled that Ryan's federal racketeering conviction wiped out benefits built up from a 35-year career in public office.
The General Assembly Retirement System board voted unanimously to cut him off.
His attorney, former Governor James Thompson, argued Ryan should remain eligible for pensions he earned as a county board member, state representative and lieutenant governor. Thompson says those were separate jobs, and he was not accused of crimes during those years.
Those pensions would be worth about $65,000.
But pension board member Bill Brady says the board had a responsibility to send the message that criminal behavior must be punished.