CHICAGO - News out of Chicago's Bilandic Building Wednesday where Illinois top four legislative leaders met is that they've come to a pension reform agreement, one both Democrats and Republicans will be urged to support next week when they return to the Capitol for a one-day session.
Newly-picked Republican House leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) identified three elements to the package, including a change to the COLA, a defined contribution plan and an adjustment to the retirement age.
Wednesday, Durkin added his name to SB 1's House co-sponsorship along with House Speaker Mike Madigan.
Madigan told reporters the unions will be up in arms against the changes proposed to affect pension funds for General Assembly, higher education, public school teachers and other state workers.
"It’s going to be a very difficult roll call,” Madigan said. “The unions are going to be against the bill.”
Earlier this year, Governor Quinn stopped lawmakers' paychecks, pushing them to get together on a pension reform deal. A court overruled the governor's actions and a pension reform committee continued to meet. None of those serving on the committee were reported to be at Wednesday's meeting.
State lawmakers are telling Illinois Review that they're being deluged with emails from angry union members. Here's what the Illinois Education Association has put on their website:
Dec. 2 has been declared a “Pension Emergency Day” by the We Are One Illinois labor coalition. We will be setting up a series of actions at specific legislators’ district offices to let them know we need their help in opposing the leaders’ extreme proposal, so please check the IEA website for updates from We Are One and the IEA regarding Pension Emergency Day activities.On Dec 2 and 3, we must blitz the Statehouse with phone calls to state senators and representatives.
Use the We Are One Illinois hotline 888-412-6570, or click here to call.
Urge your colleagues and families to call as well.
Tell lawmakers: “Vote NO on any pension proposal that has not been agreed to by IEA and the other members of the We Are One Illinois labor coalition.”
