Tagged: Pension reform

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.

In his budget address, Governor Pat Quinn, said three-quarters of Illinois'  pension burden is for people who don't work for the state. It covers some of the pension costs for teachers and others who are employees of local government bodies.

State Senator John Sullivan (D-47)  said the state must bring all the stakeholders to the negotiating table to find a long-term solution to funding pensions.