Gov. J.B Pritzker has touted his record on higher education funding, even hinting many students should be given free tuition, but pensions are driving up tuition and eating state university funding. Pritzker refuses to tame that beast.
The 1%: Illinois’ pension millionaires
More than 129,000 Illinois public pensioners will see expected payouts of $1 million or more during retirement.
Illinois pensions 101: Paltry contributions yield million-dollar payouts
Across all five state retirement systems, typical career workers pay for about 5% of the cost of their pension benefits. They receive an average of $1.7 million to $3.6 million.
Illinois pension buyout program delivers just 3% of projected savings
A plan that allowed some pension enrollees to cash in early on their earned retirement benefits in exchange for curbing future benefits has so far generated only 3% of its expected savings.
Illinois state and local governments spend most in nation on pensions
According to recent data, Illinois spends nearly double the national average on pensions, measured as a percentage of all state and local government spending.
Southwestern Illinois home to 340 pension millionaires
A former Edwardsville university administrator and a retired judge each have collected more than $3 million in pension payments. Too little paid in with too much taken out is the heart of Illinois’ pension crisis.
More than 19,000 Illinois government retirees receive pensions over $100K
The average six-figure retiree contributed just over $160,000 toward their own pension over the course of their career.
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.
Illinois universities’ problems are largely self-inflicted
Illinois universities are blaming the recent budget impasse for their declining enrollment and financial problems. But the problems in higher education started long before the budget fight, and are largely self-inflicted.
Illinois senator’s proposal offers pension reform through 401(k)-style plans
State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, has proposed a plan that would give all state workers access to retirement plans that offer portability and flexibility – and an escape from Illinois’ broken pension system.