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New Report Shows Illinois' Long Pension Struggle

Brian Mackey

Politicians, public employee unions and others spent the last several years focused on pensions. Illinois racked up a $100 billion unfunded liability -- largely because lawmakers didn't pay the state's share of its workers retirement benefits.

Eric Madiar is the top attorney for the Illinois Senate President. He found a report that said Illinois' pension systems were on the "verge of insolvency" in 1917.

"...and it stemmed primarily from the fact had not been properly been financing pensions." --- Eric Madiar, Senate Democrats' Chief Legal Counsel

Nearly a century later, the state passed a law that is being challenged in court; the current state constitution includes a clause that protects pensions and benefits. Madiar's report could undercut the state's attempt to defend the law.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.