Time for Action for State Retirees

Tonight's news report was that the Illinois Legislature did not act on pension reform today except to decide that schools would not be asked to help pay for teachers' retirement.

However, action is expected by Wednesday. Here is information that will help you in contacting your representative.

If you are a teacher or a state employee (current OR retired), you will pay to fix the pension problem in Illinois with legislation that may pass the Illinois House on SUNDAY, MONDAY OR TUESDAY.

Those already retired may LOSE their cost of living increases for 5 years.
After those 5 years, cost of living will be given on only $25,000 of your pension.                  

Those currently working may pay 2 percent more of their total yearly salary (11.4 percent
of your salary) and their pension would be based on their CURRENT salary (NOT
salary at retirement).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Call your State Representative in Springfield beginning at 5 P.M. on Sunday,
January 6. You can use the toll-free "We are One" number (888-412-6570)
and follow the automated prompts with your zip code. You are calling
your State Representative, not your State Senator.

Call again on Monday. Get your friends and relatives to call.

MESSAGE: Please vote NO on the pension legislation. We can not expect
current and retired teachers to pay all the costs of fixing the pension problem.

Bev Johns, Chair
Governmental Relations
Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC)