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

Pritzker pushes $13B pension benefit hike in his budget

By Bryce Hill

03/06/2025

Newer state employees would get a $13 billion pension benefit boost if Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal passes. What should be a minor fix is being used to create an even bigger Illinois pension mess.

TAGS: budget, Illinois, JB Pritzker

State lawmakers want to spike Illinois’ public pension benefits by $60B

By LyLena Estabine

02/19/2025

Pension experts projected state lawmakers’ plans to drastically expand benefits for newer employees would add $60 billion to the state’s pension liability. Illinois is already $143.7 billion in the pension hole.

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

By LyLena Estabine

11/14/2024

Illinois is at risk of getting in costly trouble with the federal government over its Tier 2 public employee retirement benefits. Here’s a solution that doesn’t make the state’s monstrous public pension debt even worse.

Who is running for judge in Illinois in 2024?

By Joe Tabor

10/17/2024

On Nov. 5 Illinoisans will vote to elect two Illinois Supreme Court justices and nine appellate court justices, and whether to retain four sitting appellate court justices.

TAGS: Election Day

Pritzker boosts public school funding by $350 million but wants to cut low-income scholarship program

By Patrick Andriesen

05/07/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wanted to renege on the promised $350 million increase in education spending until state lawmakers pushed back. He still wants to cut the scholarship program low-income and minority students use when public education doesn’t fit them.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, JB Pritzker, public schools, school choice, teachers union

Stephanie Kifowit

California vs. Illinois: Who’s more reckless with pensions?

Aurora proposal aims to limit potential for mayoral conflict of interest

Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest

Kifowit bill risks digging Illinois pension hole deeper

Watch out: Illinois lawmakers may still spike pensions this session

Pritzker pushes $13B pension benefit hike in his budget

State lawmakers want to spike Illinois’ public pension benefits by $60B

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

Who is running for judge in Illinois in 2024?

Pritzker boosts public school funding by $350 million but wants to cut low-income scholarship program

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

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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