Another pension proposal surfaces
Updated: February 21, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Too much or not enough; that's a big issue when it comes to pension reform for state workers. Now one lawmaker thinks he has a plan that works for everyone.
Rep. Lou Lang (D), of Skokie, wants to make the income tax hike permanent and then use that money for pension payments. He would also like to shift costs for teacher pensions to local school districts instead of having the state cover the tab. Another change would require state workers to contribute an extra 3%.
Governor Quinn is indifferent about Lang's proposal.
"I really don't feel that solving the pension problem is surely a revenue issue. I think we have to deal with it on a comprehensive basis, so it's not just about revenue, it's about a lot more than that," he said.
Lang says his bill is constitutional and wouldn't take away benefits from any current workers or retirees.
Rep. Lou Lang (D), of Skokie, wants to make the income tax hike permanent and then use that money for pension payments. He would also like to shift costs for teacher pensions to local school districts instead of having the state cover the tab. Another change would require state workers to contribute an extra 3%.
Governor Quinn is indifferent about Lang's proposal.
"I really don't feel that solving the pension problem is surely a revenue issue. I think we have to deal with it on a comprehensive basis, so it's not just about revenue, it's about a lot more than that," he said.
Lang says his bill is constitutional and wouldn't take away benefits from any current workers or retirees.
