“The pushback from the unions has just been ferocious.”
May 24, 2011
Poster credit: Just Seeds
“Transparency” is not a word they know in Springfield.
It is difficult to tell what is going on behind closed doors on the pension bill.
It appears that it will include more state workers than just teachers
It appears it will be a three-tier system for teachers, with all three tiers representing an increase in costs, a reduction in benefits, or both.
It appears it is having trouble getting enough House members to support it to move it out of committee.
The reason?
But facing a tight deadline of May 31 before lawmakers are scheduled to leave Springfield for the year, some are skeptical a big pension change will get done.
“My sense is it’s probably not going to go anywhere,” said Rep. Mark Beaubien, a Barrington Hills Republican.
Among the reasons it might not is staunch opposition from public employee unions, who argue that changing pension plans of current employees is unconstitutional. Even if a plan is approved by lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn, it almost certainly faces an immediate lawsuit.
“The pushback from the unions has just been ferocious,” Beaubien said.
Some Democrats say they don’t know if they support the plan yet, because the details have largely been kept behind closed doors. Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat, says he supports pension reforms but isn’t sure about the three options Cross has proposed.
Still, he said, despite the looming deadline, pension reform is still a possibility this year.
“Here in Springfield, nothing’s dead until the end,” Franks said.
To help drive a steak through the heart of it, we have been making the rounds. This morning I met with folks at our Lincoln Middle School.
The few that haven’t already called or written will do it today. The others will do it again.
Nothing’s dead until the end.
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The way it is broached to us in PA is that you have paid into it, and it’s guaranteed by the state, with no chance of default. That being said, there are different rules for new hirees, but we doubt we’re going to see many too soon. . My questions is , once different more stringent rules are applied, do things get better when the state get it’s fiscal house more in order, or is this the new normal? They bank on the fact that younger people will accept almost anything. which of course is the cornerstone of the plan. If GM is doing well and making a good profit (as I just heard) do the wages of the newer hirees go back up, or remain stagnant?
If you folks do not get Social Security, it’s essential that your pension rights be protected!!!!!! NOBODY who gets a Master’s degree + and puts on over 30 years deserves to live like a pauper. A whole generation is entrusted to you, and both you and they are worth something. Take that to the bank Fred . (I want to be a PR person in my next life).