Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) released the following statement today after the State Assembly today passed a resolution which paves the way for public officials to be stripped of their pension if convicted of a felony related to their public duties. The Senate is expected to pass the same measure in order that the public be allowed to vote in a referendum to amend the State Constitution.

"I am pleased the Assembly today passed this important resolution to amend the State Constitution in favor of commonsense reform. If a public official is convicted of a felony related to their office, they simply should not be eligible to receive their state pension. Following the vote in the State Senate, the public will have an opportunity to vote on this proposal during the general election. If the public votes to amend the State Constitution in November, which I suspect they will with an overwhelming majority, those who are convicted of bribery, theft or other felonies related to corruption while in public office, will be stripped of their state pensions.

"The public has demanded this change for years. Today's passage is a step in the right direction towards meaningful reform."