If Illinois lawmakers do not address the state’s growing pension
crisis, essential investments in education, health care, and human
services will continue to be cut, according to a recent report (PDF) from the Fiscal Policy Center at Voices For Illinois Children.
“All
Illinois residents—including the youngest among us — are paying the price
for Illinois’ decades-long failure to make adequate contributions to
the state-funded pension plans,” the report, titled “Pension Funding
Crisis Worsens” (PDF) reads. “The General Assembly is well aware of the
harmful effects of rising pension costs on the rest of the budget.
However, progress toward a solution has stalled — making the situation
worse.”
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Public frustrations over how Illinois’ elected leaders are addressing
the state’s most pressing issues was shown in full display over the
weekend as an informal meet-and-greet over coffee quickly led to some
contentious moments between lawmakers and constituents.