Lawmakers Talk Pension Reform at District 58 Legislative Breakfast

Illinois lawmakers pledged their commitment to tackling pension reform and eliminating unfunded mandates Friday during the annual legislative breakfast hosted by Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

The annual breakfast—hosted by the District 58 Legislative Committee—was held at O'Neill Middle School, where district officials, school board members, parents and community leaders gathered to hear from local legislators about issues facing the state and its school districts.

Attending this year’s breakfast were Congressman Bill Foster (D-11) and State Reps. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) and Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale). The panel answered questions on Illinois' budget challenges and their commitment to education, as well as the urgent need to address the state's pension crisis in Springfield.

"We need to get the state budget under control," Sandack said. "Last year was miserable, the year before that was treacherous, and this year looks like it's all of the above and more. (Addressing the public pension system) is the only thing that will make our budget stable ... If we don't find a way to stabilize those funds, the state system will only get worse and that doesn't bode well for education."

Sandack, who previously served as state senator in the 21st district, said the issues plaguing the state's pension system—now nearly $97 billion in the red—have gotten so severe that there is now a "collective awareness" among lawmakers about the need for reform.

"It's going to take great compromise, some fearlessness and a little bit of bravery," Sandack said.

Discussing the possibility of shifting pension responsibilities to local school districts, Sandack said the change is logical but chaotic. He said lawmakers must carefully consider the consequences of the shift before taking a vote, and should be willing to compromise

"Everyone is going to have to share and everyone is going to have to sacrifice," he said.

On Thursday, Sandack submitted his own comprehensive pension reform bill, which he said "won't go anywhere," but will hopefully facilitate discussion in Springfield. He said legislators hope to reach an agreement on reform by May 31.

Bellock said pension reform—along with Medicaid reform—is the biggest issue facing Illinois. Lawmakers can no longer afford to delay the issue, she said, especially when the state's pension liability continues to grow by $17 million every day.

"The entire economy of the state of Illinois rests on this decision this year," Bellock said. "We have to assure the hardworking people that have done their job and expect their pension to be there when they retire."

Members of the District 58 Legislative Committee, which organizes the breakfast and throughout the year monitors legislation for its potential effect on District 58, asked the remaining questions.

Superintendent Kari Cremascoli thanked the legislators for listening to the District’s concerns and reiterated the importance of continuing to work together for the benefit of the schools and students.

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