Jillian Bernas
Jillian Bernas
Republican House candidate Jillian Rose Bernas recently added her name to the growing list of candidates pledging to refuse a pension from the general assembly if elected.
Bernas believes the decision illustrates a critical difference between herself and Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), her opponent for the 56th district seat in November's election.
“My opponent, Michelle Mussman, has been in office eight years and is now fully vested in the General Assembly Retirement System,” Bernas said in press release. “She will get a golden parachute pension while taxes continue to rise, home values continue to slide, and corruption continues to worsen. Who exactly has she been looking out for all these years?”
Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg)
Bernas, who won the Republican primary with 60 percent of the vote, is running on a platform of budget and property tax reform. With a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in public policy, Bernas taught in Chile through the U.S. Embassy.
“Leaders should be judged on their actions,” Bernas said. “I will not take a pension and will reform the system that is driving property taxes up and destroying home values. We deserve new, independent leaders in Springfield who will look out for our interests, not their own.”
The 56th House District includes Rolling Meadows and the townships of Bloomingdale, Elk Grove, Palatine, Schaumburg and Wayne.
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