Pension plan may be "best option" available
Updated: December 6, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- A new deal to fix our state's pension system is getting a lot of attention from state leaders, but some worry it could be doomed from the start. The suggestion it violates the state's constitution is being investigated. The new plan is 200 pages long, and all of it has to be within the law.
Unions have been some of the biggest critics of pension reform all year, but they say they're happy to see lawmakers trying to tackle the issue. Still, they remain cautious about the fairness of the plan to state employees.
It's against the law to change their benefits too much. AFSCME says it still needs to take a closer look, but can already see potential problems.
The law says your public pension can't be diminished or impaired. Not everyone agrees on what that means, though.
In the end, it will be up to the State Supreme Court to decide if any pension reform fits with our constitution. In the meantime, lawmakers say this is the best option available.
Related article
Unions have been some of the biggest critics of pension reform all year, but they say they're happy to see lawmakers trying to tackle the issue. Still, they remain cautious about the fairness of the plan to state employees.
It's against the law to change their benefits too much. AFSCME says it still needs to take a closer look, but can already see potential problems.
The law says your public pension can't be diminished or impaired. Not everyone agrees on what that means, though.
In the end, it will be up to the State Supreme Court to decide if any pension reform fits with our constitution. In the meantime, lawmakers say this is the best option available.
Related article
