Tom Cross

Proposals and Polls about Pension Reform

Bill Knight — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:04:54 +0000

Most Illinois House members recently backed a measure to limit the salary on which public employees’ retirement benefits could be based. One of a few proposals to address the state’s $96 billion pension shortfall, it was seen as a test vote as lawmakers grapple with some way to make good on years of the legislature failing to make its payments.

Illinois to Release More Pension Info

Amanda Vinicky — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:38:43 +0000

Illinois will disclose more details about its underfunded pensions systems following an agreement with the Securities and Exchanges Commission.

Quinn Delivers State of the State Speech

Illinois Public Radio — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:20:51 +0000

It's the start of Illinois' new legislative session, and Governor Pat Quinn has now explained what he wants lawmakers to accomplish.

In his fifth State of the State address since becoming governor, Quinn laid out a wide-ranging agenda:

He wants to allow same-sex couples get married and he wants to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour. He also said lawmakers should pass a measure that would allow voters to register online.

In addition, Quinn called for a ban on the sale of assault weapons.

Illinois House Adjourns Without Vote on Pension Plan

Amanda Vinicky — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:11:33 +0000

Over the protests of state employee unions, an Illinois House committee gave bipartisan support to a plan intended to repair Illinois' underfunded pensions. But the full House adjourned Monday without taking a vote.

The legislation would leave workers paying more for a smaller retirement benefit. House Republican leader Tom Cross said the change is necessary given the condition of Illinois' pension systems.

Illinois House Votes to Eliminate Perk for Retirees

Rich Egger — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:33:09 +0000

Longtime state employees in Illinois would no longer be able get free health insurance when they retire under legislation (SB 1313) approved by the Illinois House on May 9.

The vote is part of a push to cut pension benefits for government retirees. The governor, House speaker and other politicians want to save money by cutting pensions, health care and other costs.

Illinois Goes After Retiree Health Insurance

Rich Egger — Thu, 03 May 2012 02:07:12 +0000

Retired state and public university employees in Illinois will have to pitch in for their health insurance under a measure approved by an Illinois House committee.

Free health insurance is a benefit given to retirees who worked long careers in Illinois government. Legislators who serve as little as four years also get free health care when they retire.