Rep. La Ha To File Legislation Protecting Retirees Called Back to Work During Emergencies

LEMONT, IL — State Rep. Nicole La Ha is taking action after a recent report detailing how a retired University of Illinois doctor is being forced to repay tens of thousands of dollars in pension funds after stepping up to help during the COVID-19 pandemic, La Ha's office shared in a news release.

La Ha is currently filing legislation to ensure that retirees who return to work during declared state emergencies are protected from retroactive pension penalties. Her measure will clarify the law to ensure that declared disasters or emergencies don’t trigger benefit restrictions, and that individuals who act in good faith aren’t financially harmed for answering the call, La Ha's office said.

“This is about fairness,” La Ha said in a release. “We’re looking for a solution that supports both employers and employees. There needs to be a fix to this problem, and I’m committed to finding one.”

Dr. Mahmood Ghassemi, a semi-retired UIC professor, returned to work full-time in 2020 to oversee vaccine and drug trial testing. He did so under the impression, confirmed by university and pension system staff, that his work would not jeopardize his pension, a release states. Years later, he was blind sided with a repayment demand of over $80,000.

The legislation is expected to provide clear exemptions for emergency-related service to protect retirees and ensure they receive clear communication about how their emergency work will affect their pensions, a release states.