Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners averaged $437,000 each last year

By Adam Gorcyca

09/09/2026

184 pensioners in Illinois’ five state-run systems received enough in 2025 to put them in the top 5% of U.S. income earners.

TAGS: TRS: Teachers’ Retirement System

Pension buyout extension passes, forecast to save $1.4 billion

By LyLena Estabine

05/30/2026

Renewing the state pension buyout for two years means flexibility for retirees and savings for the state.

TAGS: budget, pensions

Record-high Illinois university workers opt out of pensions

By LyLena Estabine

03/10/2026

A record share of Illinois university employees opt out of pensions for a 401(k)-style plan, lawmakers should give other state employees the same flexibility.

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

By LyLena Estabine

01/13/2026

Causes, costs, how to set the state free

Illinois alone lets state pension debt top $100B

By LyLena Estabine

12/09/2025

Illinois’ $143.5 billion state pension debt saw a tiny dip, but meaningful reform is needed to stop threats to taxpayers and protect state retirees.

$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

By Bryce Hill

10/31/2025

A bill that would increase Tier 2 pension benefits was passed out of Illinois House Executive Committee on Oct 30.

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

10/13/2025

Chicago’s $1.15 billion projected budget gap is the latest in a decades-long string of structural deficits. Making Chicago’s high taxes worse is not the solution.

Illinois tops U.S. in college spending, but loses over 106K students

By Patrick Andriesen, Jack Knorr

09/04/2025

Illinois ranked No. 1 for spending per student on higher education in 2024, paying more than double the national average. Declining enrollment, poorly structured finances, growing pension payments and bloated administration have driven up costs.

TAGS: college tuition, higher education

Selling every NBA team wouldn’t be enough to fill Illinois’ pension hole

By LyLena Estabine

09/02/2025

The five pension systems run by the state of Illinois only have 46 cents on hand for every $1 of benefits they owe. Filling that $144 billion hole would require more money than the price of every NBA team combined.

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.

State Universities Retirement System

Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners averaged $437,000 each last year

Pension buyout extension passes, forecast to save $1.4 billion

Record-high Illinois university workers opt out of pensions

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Illinois alone lets state pension debt top $100B

$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Illinois tops U.S. in college spending, but loses over 106K students

Selling every NBA team wouldn’t be enough to fill Illinois’ pension hole

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

Report Archive

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Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students