Pension fight shifts to Senate
Legislation that would slash pension benefits passed the state House on Thursday, even as discussions between labor unions and Senate leadership continue on a fair, constitutional solution.
The House passed SB 1, strongly backed by Speaker Michael Madigan, even though the bill is unfair to public workers and retirees and clearly unconstitutional. It would impose deep cuts to cost-of-living adjustments and an increase in the retirement age. It would also put the entire burden for fixing the state’s pension-funding woes on workers and retirees, even though the problem was created by politicians.
Click here to see how your representative voted on SB 1. If they opposed it, thank them for fighting on behalf of public workers and retirees. If they supported it, urge them to reconsider and to reject similar legislation, including any bill opposed by the We Are One Illinois union coalition.
You can reach representatives toll-free by calling (888) 412-6570 or by using the coalition’s click-to-call tool.
While the House chose to pass legislation unfair to public employees and retirees, leadership in the Senate was continuing to discuss with the We Are One Illinois coalition a solution all parties could agree upon.
On Wednesday, Senate President John Cullerton signaled that the coalition’s proposal was “credible and constitutional.”
It is critical that your senators support ongoing work toward a fair, constitutional solution on pensions. Call them today and tell them to reject SB 1 and any other legislation opposed by the We Are One Illinois coalition. Tell them to support work on legislation that will solve the funding crisis facing state pension funds while valuing the work of public employees and retirees.
You can reach senators toll-free by calling (888) 412-6570 or by using the coalition’s click-to-call tool.
Today’s vote in the House was a setback, but it was not a defeat. The ongoing negotiations in the Senate offer the best chance for victory in this fight – it’s important that lawmakers await the results of these talks instead of focusing on unfair, unconstitutional legislation passed by the House.
Your retirement security is now in the hands of the state Senate – call your senator today!