Governor Bruce Rauner has long blamed Illinois' pension systems for the state's budget woes. He not only says public employee unions have too much power in negotiating pension deals, but also that the nature of the plan itself -- defined benefit -- is fiscally irresponsible.
In his budget outline, the Republican is calling for a freeze on all pensions, with workers moved into less generous program. He says this would save $2.2 billion dollars. Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery says Rauner's plan ignores state law.
"Illegal. Everything he said about pensions is illegal and I think he knows it. The reality that he wants to say that he's going to save $2 billion that way--absolute fiction. Go back to the drawing board and please, governor, conform to Illinois law."
Unions are already battling another pension overhaul, one that reduces benefits to retirees. That law passed in late 20-13, but has been waiting on a decision from the Illinois Supreme Court.
