Blagojevich likely to lose $65,000 state pension

[December 08, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich likely won't collect a $65,000-a-year state pension, but he's expected to receive a federal pension for his time as a congressman.

The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/vmlra8) that the General Assembly Retirement System board moved in October to block payments to newly convicted ex-officials. Blagojevich turns 55 Saturday.

A judge sentenced Blagojevich Wednesday to 14 years in prison on 18 corruption convictions.

State pensions are typically denied to officials who are convicted of crimes connected to their official duties.

Former Gov. George Ryan received a pension for three years between his retirement and his conviction on fraud charges.

Blagojevich served for six years in the U.S. House before becoming governor and is due for a federal pension of about $15,000 a year at age 62.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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