DMV workers worried about pension
Updated: November 12, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- State workers are losing their patience when it comes to pension reform.
Governor Quinn set another date to fix the state's growing problem. The deadline is January 9.
In August, lawmakers met to make a deal on pension reform, but the special session ended in a stand still. Now some state workers are crossing their fingers it doesn't happen again.
The DMV is a place where patience is the name of the game.
"This morning for instance when we opened it was wrapped around our building before our door was unlocked," said manager Sheila Kite.
Waiting in lines, in chairs, it's what most people dread about visiting the place. But the workers insist they're not trying to delay your day.
"There's no point in them getting upset because we can only work so fast and for the most part they are very patient," she said.
But what if lawmakers held that same argument about pension reform?
"I don't think it's fair. I think that they need to make a decision, " Kite said.
She's worked for the Secretary of State for more than 35 years. Retirement is around the corner. But she's afraid the state's pension problems will determine when she should.
"Am I going to have to retire so that I retain my benefits, or am I going to be able to retire at a later date like I would like. So it's keeping a lot of people up in the air," she said.
And not just those who've spent decades in the same spot as Kite. She says her younger co-workers worry about their futures as well.
Kite's not against reform. She just hopes that when and if it happens, the changes go across the board.
"If they adjust my pension, they better start at the very top. And if judges are on top of the governor, start with the judges and work down and everybody's pension should be adjusted," Kite said.
Tuesday's election could impact how reform happens. Democrats won the majority in the house and senate giving them veto proof majorities. That means Governor Quinn might not be as involved during January's negotiations.
In August, lawmakers met to make a deal on pension reform, but the special session ended in a stand still. Now some state workers are crossing their fingers it doesn't happen again.
The DMV is a place where patience is the name of the game.
"This morning for instance when we opened it was wrapped around our building before our door was unlocked," said manager Sheila Kite.
Waiting in lines, in chairs, it's what most people dread about visiting the place. But the workers insist they're not trying to delay your day.
"There's no point in them getting upset because we can only work so fast and for the most part they are very patient," she said.
But what if lawmakers held that same argument about pension reform?
"I don't think it's fair. I think that they need to make a decision, " Kite said.
She's worked for the Secretary of State for more than 35 years. Retirement is around the corner. But she's afraid the state's pension problems will determine when she should.
"Am I going to have to retire so that I retain my benefits, or am I going to be able to retire at a later date like I would like. So it's keeping a lot of people up in the air," she said.
And not just those who've spent decades in the same spot as Kite. She says her younger co-workers worry about their futures as well.
Kite's not against reform. She just hopes that when and if it happens, the changes go across the board.
"If they adjust my pension, they better start at the very top. And if judges are on top of the governor, start with the judges and work down and everybody's pension should be adjusted," Kite said.
Tuesday's election could impact how reform happens. Democrats won the majority in the house and senate giving them veto proof majorities. That means Governor Quinn might not be as involved during January's negotiations.
