ILLINOIS — A controversial pension bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly is drawing sharp criticism from fiscal watchdogs and residents who fear it will significantly deepen the state’s already staggering pension debt.
The legislation, backed by State Senator Robert Martwick, adjusts how pensions are calculated for police officers and firefighters — changes critics say amount to yet another “pension sweetener” that benefits politically protected classes at the expense of taxpayers.
What’s in the Bill?
The proposal makes three key adjustments to retirement calculations:
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Raises the salary cap used to calculate benefits from $127,283 to $141,408.
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Changes the cap increase rate from the lower of inflation/3% to the full rate of inflation or 3%, whichever is lower.
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Shortens the pay calculation window from 8 of the last 10 years to 4 of the last 5, a move that boosts final payouts for officers who receive large raises late in their careers.
These changes were detailed in a recent report by the Chicago Tribune, which warned the bill could add billions in long-term pension liabilities.
Critics: “This Isn’t Fiscal Responsibility”
Opposition to the bill is not coming only from conservative corners. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago CFO Jill Jaworski previously voiced opposition to similar pension enhancements, citing long-term budget harm.
Commentary from critics online emphasized the growing frustration with lawmakers:
“Most rational people understand the last thing to do when you’re in a deep hole is to keep digging. But nobody in our state government seems to realize this.”
There is also growing anger directed at Governor JB Pritzker, who is expected to decide whether to sign the bill. One widely-shared post directly warned:
“We are watching you, @GovPritzker. This is not the time, nor do we have the ability or obligation to ‘sweeten’ pensions and make our long, miserable nightmare any worse.”
Illinois Already Carries the Nation’s Worst Pension Debt
Illinois has the largest unfunded pension liability in the United States, with more than $140 billion in shortfalls across its five state systems. Recent attempts at reform have largely stalled amid political resistance and union influence.
Meanwhile, taxpayers continue to absorb the costs of decades of mismanagement — often through property tax hikes, service cuts, or budget reallocations.
With this new bill now on Pritzker’s desk, the pressure is mounting. Will the governor sign off on what some are calling a “last-minute gift” to politically powerful unions? Or will he draw a line against expanding unsustainable pension burdens?
Should pension sweeteners be paused until Illinois reforms its system?
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