Debate continues over pension reform
Updated: February 25, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- The pension squeeze continues to choke the state's budget, and it looks like lawmakers won't be coming to the rescue anytime soon. They're still torn over what benefits state workers should have to sacrifice and if any of the proposals are even constitutional.
Rep. Lou Lang (D) of Skokie thinks he has a plan that addresses both those issues. He recently filed a bill calling for some major changes: state workers would have to pay an extra 3%, the retirement age would be pushed back to 67, and school districts would have to take on the costs for teacher pensions.
That's not all. He also wants to make the income tax hike permanent, then use that money to pay down the pension debt. Governor Quinn recently learned of the bill and says it's not just about creating more revenue. He thinks the pension system needs a complete overhaul. The pension system's unfunded liability is nearing $100 billion.
Rep. Lou Lang (D) of Skokie thinks he has a plan that addresses both those issues. He recently filed a bill calling for some major changes: state workers would have to pay an extra 3%, the retirement age would be pushed back to 67, and school districts would have to take on the costs for teacher pensions.
That's not all. He also wants to make the income tax hike permanent, then use that money to pay down the pension debt. Governor Quinn recently learned of the bill and says it's not just about creating more revenue. He thinks the pension system needs a complete overhaul. The pension system's unfunded liability is nearing $100 billion.
Comments
The explosion in welfare babies is pathetic. All those costs are paid for by hard working people.
I totally agree, it has gotten out of control! The government needs to stop paying for all of these kids that the parents can't afford. If a woman gets pregnant and expects the state to pay then let her have the birth with no extras. No birthing suites, no epidural, etc. Take back some of the earned income credit from taxes that they don't pay anyway!
S A.
February 25, 2013 at 1:40 pm
The explosion in welfare babies is pathetic. All those costs are paid for by hard working people.
I totally agree, it has gotten out of control! The government needs to stop paying for all of these kids that the parents can't afford. If a woman gets pregnant and expects the state to pay then let her have the birth with no extras. No birthing suites, no epidural, etc. Take back some of the earned income credit from taxes that they don't pay anyway!
S A.
February 25, 2013 at 1:40 pm
The pension issue is 100% caused by the worthless politicians we have elected. Both parties are responsible. I think all elected representatives pensions should be reformed to match the rest of the state employees. Further any funds not spent from their campaign funds when they leave office should be used to pay down the states debt. We also need welfare reform. Time to make people on welfare be on contraception. And require them to either work or go to school and get an education. The explosion in welfare babies is pathetic. All those costs are paid for by hard working people. time the hard working responsible people have a say. You get the behavior you reward. We reward lazy irresponsible people for being lazy and having babies they can't afford.
Jake J.
February 25, 2013 at 5:07 am
The pension issue is 100% caused by the worthless politicians we have elected. Both parties are responsible. I think all elected representatives pensions should be reformed to match the rest of the state employees. Further any funds not spent from their campaign funds when they leave office should be used to pay down the states debt. We also need welfare reform. Time to make people on welfare be on contraception. And require them to either work or go to school and get an education. The explosion in welfare babies is pathetic. All those costs are paid for by hard working people. time the hard working responsible people have a say. You get the behavior you reward. We reward lazy irresponsible people for being lazy and having babies they can't afford.
Jake J.
February 25, 2013 at 5:07 am
