Tagged: pensions

A proposed overhaul cleared a House committee Monday. But the full House adjourned for the day without taking action. Observers say legislative leaders are trying to round up of enough votes for the bill to pass.

Illinois lawmakers could move forward with a plan to address the state's pension woes. A House committee is expected to consider a proposal when it meets on Monday. The expected vote comes after a Sunday meeting of the Illinois House that accomplished little. But legislators still say they can still tackle the state's pension problem before the General Assembly adjourns for good on Wednesday.

In November, Illinois voters will be asked if it should be more difficult to increase pension benefits for public employees. If approved, the proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution would raise the number of votes needed to make increases to public employee pensions from a simple majority to a three-fifths vote. It applies to the General Assembly, city councils, school boards, and other public governing bodies.

Representative Bob Pritchard says the proposed amendment is the result of the current underfunding of public pensions: