Lawmaker criticizes $500,000 compensation package for interim transit chief

Illinois state Sen. Don DeWitte is criticizing the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s decision to pay interim Executive Director Jamie Rhee $350,000 a year while she collects a taxpayer-funded Chicago pension that exceeds $213,000 annually. DeWitte raised concerns about the combined compensation, which critics characterize as roughly a $500,000 package. The dispute centers on public spending and transparency for transit leadership pay.