Illinois Senate Passes Union-Backed Pension Reform Bill.

[elleng]

Source: nyt/reuters

The Illinois Senate on Thursday passed a labor union-backed bill to reduce the state's nearly $100 billion unfunded public pension liability.

The 40-16 vote in the Democrat-controlled chamber sends the measure to the House, which last week passed a more comprehensive pension fix pushed by Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/05/09/us/09reuters-usa-illinois-pensions.html?hp&_r=0

[Drale]

1. The Illinois Teacher Association is going to sue if it passes

on the grounds that this bill is unconstitutional because it reduces benefits to those already receiving a pension.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

3. Illinois Retired Teachers Association

And they've got a very valid ethical point. I'm not sure where they stand legally with the health care coverage that's in jeopardy.

[madrchsod]

5. oh it`s that piece of shit bill...

ya screw that.....

[Gidney N Cloyd]

2. I've really been sickened by some of the comments I've read about this situation (not here on DU).

The state has been ripping off the pension funds for decades while the pension participants have faithfully paid in with the expectation of the state fulfilling it's obligations. But so many people say "fuck the workers." And "nobody in the private sector gets pensions like that anymore!" Our crooked state has ripped off people in the pension program and other people think they should be able to get away with it.

[madrchsod]

4. my wife is going downstate this wednesday

she works for a non profit care company that has`t paid and wage increases for almost three years. the state refuses to give them the 2% wage increase that is granted to them. afscme union 1268 will be represented in springfield this wednesday.the pension bill does`t affect her membership but they have been helping the state employees get their fair share.

this state needs a progressive income tax but that will take changing the constitution. the chances of that are slim and none.

[forestpath]

6. BOTH parties screwing over pension plans and retirees? What a surprise - NOT.