Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending
Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending
Chicago’s public pension contributions remain lower than what actuaries say is needed to pay benefits despite a nearly six-fold increase in spending since 2014. Pension problems are driving high property taxes ever higher.
By Bryce Hill
Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need
Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need
Winfield Township voters will have a chance to impact Illinois’ pension crisis in the April 1 election. They won’t directly change any laws, but voters can send a strong signal to state lawmakers about pensions causing Illinois’ property tax pain.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions
Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions
Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B
Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B
Illinois' unfunded statewide public pension liabilities grew another $1.5 billion in the past year. Better investment returns couldn’t keep up with public worker pensions growing faster than projected.
By LyLena Estabine
Homer Township lets voters weigh in on pension reform, key issues
Homer Township lets voters weigh in on pension reform, key issues
Voters in Homer Township will have the chance to weigh in on public pension reform, federal and state redistricting and unfunded state mandates. Illinois state lawmakers have yet to act on the trio of issues.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pensions are worth an estimated $3.8 million after only four years as a teacher and one term as mayor. It could go even higher, depending on his next job moves.
By Bryce Hill
Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform
Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said state lawmakers need to step in and help fix public pensions. Pension debt is the biggest driver of Illinois’ property taxes, which are the second-highest in the nation.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform
Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform
Illinois is at risk of getting in costly trouble with the federal government over its Tier 2 public employee retirement benefits. Here’s a solution that doesn’t make the state’s monstrous public pension debt even worse.
By LyLena Estabine
First Illinois voters to be asked overwhelmingly back public pension reform
First Illinois voters to be asked overwhelmingly back public pension reform
Barrington Township became the first local government in Illinois to back changing the Illinois Constitution so public pensions can be brought under control. While essentially an opinion poll, the overwhelming approval shows elected leaders must address this issue.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 states
Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 states
Chicago’s pension systems for city workers have $51 billion in debt, so much that they are in worse shape than 43 states. Fixing them requires Chicago’s mayor to push for a change in the Illinois Constitution.
By Ravi Mishra
Pension reform vote coming to suburban Chicago township
Pension reform vote coming to suburban Chicago township
Barrington Township will be the first local government in Illinois to give taxpayers a vote on reforming the single-largest property tax driver in the state: public pensions. The advisory referendum will be on the ballot Nov. 5.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs
Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs
Several bills that enhance Tier 2 state worker pension benefits, reduce retirement ages, allow for large end-of-career lump-sum payments and other pension sweeteners are moving through the Illinois General Assembly. They appear to be heading for a vote.
By Bryce Hill