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

Despite record high contributions from the state, the Teachers’ Retirement System has less than 50 cents on hand for every dollar owed.

Many school districts cover teachers’ required pension contribution of 9% of their salary — putting that burden on taxpayers.

Causes, costs, how to set the state free

Money that could help address the teacher shortage is often the first to get cut in pursuit of keeping up with government pension debt. Supporting Illinois teachers will require constitutional pension reform and protecting Tier 2 cost savings.

Illinois teachers are required to contribute 9% of their salary toward pensions, but many school districts “pick up” this cost – putting the pension burden on taxpayers.

Pension expert Richard Ennis analyzed public pension performance of 24 funds, finding the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois among the worst after underperforming for 10 years.

Published Aug. 17, 2022 Illinois is home to one of the worst pension crises in the country.1 At 39% funded, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, Illinois has the worst pension funding ratio of any state.2 By contrast, neighboring Wisconsin’s pension system is 103% funded.3 In fiscal year 2022, Illinois’ total gen­eral funds pension...