Lawmakers considering adding more than $64.5 billion in pension costs in final hours of budget negotiations

By Bryce Hill

05/30/2025

As state lawmakers finalize the 2026 budget, public sector unions are pushing for major benefit spikes for Tier 2 pensioners to be included in last-minute additions.

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

By Mark Batinick

05/28/2025

Illinois’ university system is losing students to other states as prices per student top the nation. The system and its funding need an overhaul, but state leaders instead are considering letting community colleges create even more competition.

TAGS: higher education

Watch out: Illinois lawmakers may still spike pensions this session

By LyLena Estabine

05/19/2025

Illinois lawmakers could still pass expensive changes to newer state worker pensions using a “gut and replace” maneuver. The proposal would cost taxpayers over $76 billion by 2050.

TAGS: pension spiking

Illinois public workers need stable pensions, not boosted benefits

By LyLena Estabine

04/28/2025

Reports that give Illinois pensions a rotten grade are not evidence government workers need better benefits. What they need is a properly managed, financially solid system. Adding more costs to a fiscal mess helps no one.

Top Illinois pensioners invest $1, get $25 back in retirement benefits

By Patrick Andriesen

04/28/2025

Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners can expect an average lifetime payout of $8.47 million despite just $333,844 being contributed during their careers. That’s $1 in, $25 out, thanks to taxpayers.

Tier 2 isn’t broken for Illinois’ career workers: expanding choice secures benefits

By LyLena Estabine

04/22/2025

Illinois’ Tier 2 is a great retirement benefit for long-term state workers. But those who don’t spend their careers in government could be better served by the flexibility and portability of a defined contribution plan.

Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

02/12/2025

After years of splurging with revenue boosted by temporary federal aid, future deficits over $5 billion await the Illinois state budget. It’s time Illinois state leaders learn from past mistakes and manage other people’s money responsibly.

Illinois’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation

By LyLena Estabine

02/04/2025

Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute reveals Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable, underscoring the need for systemic reform.

5 principles to guide Illinois’ public pension reform

By LyLena Estabine

01/16/2025

With nearly $214 billion in state and local pension debt threatening both retirees and government finances, Illinois needs a new path forward. Here are five principles to guide the state, protect taxpayers and safeguard public servants.

Illinois government pensioners deserve more control over their funds

By LyLena Estabine

01/13/2025

Expanding retirement savings plans as an option for all new Illinois state employees would give them choice and likely improve the state’s pension crisis.

State Universities Retirement System

Lawmakers considering adding more than $64.5 billion in pension costs in final hours of budget negotiations

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

Watch out: Illinois lawmakers may still spike pensions this session

Illinois public workers need stable pensions, not boosted benefits

Top Illinois pensioners invest $1, get $25 back in retirement benefits

Tier 2 isn’t broken for Illinois’ career workers: expanding choice secures benefits

Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly

Illinois’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation

5 principles to guide Illinois’ public pension reform

Illinois government pensioners deserve more control over their funds

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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