New pension proposal surfaces
Updated: November 26, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- We've been telling you for months that lawmakers are torn over what to do about teacher pensions, now one state leader is ready to take action. Rep. Andre Thepedi of Chicago (D) is pushing for a proposal that'll no longer allow new hires to take part in the Teacher's Retirement System offered through the state.
Instead, their costs would have to be covered by their employers. For example, school districts would have to pick up the tab for teachers. This wouldn't affect any current workers enrolled in TRS.
The proposal isn't sitting well with a lot of republican lawmakers. They say many school districts can't afford to take on extra costs, and argue it'll force a lot of communities to raise property taxes.
Thepedi's Office says this bill would help protect current workers' pensions and also make sure taxpayer's dollars are being used appropriately. Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to vote on a pension reform plan for all the systems by January 9. That's right before the new General Assembly will be sworn in.
Instead, their costs would have to be covered by their employers. For example, school districts would have to pick up the tab for teachers. This wouldn't affect any current workers enrolled in TRS.
The proposal isn't sitting well with a lot of republican lawmakers. They say many school districts can't afford to take on extra costs, and argue it'll force a lot of communities to raise property taxes.
Thepedi's Office says this bill would help protect current workers' pensions and also make sure taxpayer's dollars are being used appropriately. Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to vote on a pension reform plan for all the systems by January 9. That's right before the new General Assembly will be sworn in.
