MEDIA ALERT
from the ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Rickert

Diana@IllinoisPolicy.org or (312) 607-4977 



Illinois Policy Institute statement on legislative special session

CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2012) – Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman issued the following statement regarding lawmakers' failure to enact pension reform during today's special legislative session in Springfield:


"Playing a reformer on stage doesn't make you one in real life.

That is the hard lesson Gov. Quinn learned today after legislators failed to enact substantive pension reform – any reform – to Illinois' woefully underfunded pension system.

Rather than focusing on a plan, Quinn spent the summer chastising lawmakers and portraying himself as an aggressive reformer willing to risk his political career for the sake of Illinois taxpayers.

When unions began rallying together to call his bluff, he wore their angst as a badge of honor, continuing to pursue the illusion of a reformer. But during the special session demanded by Quinn, Speaker Madigan stood defiant with his arms crossed while lawmakers on the House floor called Quinn out for his inability to lead and the failure of the special session.

Heading into the special session, Quinn started to doubt his ability to deliver reform and began championing a plan that would save just 2 percent of Illinois' $203 billion retirement debt. Fearing a backlash from government unions, Democratic leaders narrowed their focus to legislator pensions and put forth an amendment that would address only $43 million of Illinois' pension debt. After spending an entire day in Springfield, the amendment was adopted in the House without voting on a bill.

Illinois taxpayers see through Quinn's act. They know the difference between politicians who pretend to want reform, and politicians who will really seek reform.

Now the question is, who will deliver to the people what they really want to see?"

For interviews, contact: Diana Rickert (312) 607-4977.
Spokespeople are available by phone, and in-person in Springfield and Chicago.


The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research and education organization dedicated to making Illinois a beacon for liberty and prosperity for all citizens. As a leading voice for economic liberty and government accountability, the Institute engages policy makers, opinion leaders and citizens on the state and local level by promoting free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois. To learn more about the Institute or review policy briefs, please visit: www.illinoispolicy.org.