Representative Wheeler Remarks On Public Pension System

IIn response a vote earlier this week on Senate Bill 1, State Representative Barbara Wheeler has issued the following statement:

“Today legislators took a large step toward shoring up our five public pension systems. While I believe there are still additional reforms that are needed, I view the components of Senate Bill 1 as a solid beginning point for comprehensive pension reform.

“There is no issue in Illinois that is more important than pension reform. By reining in our pension obligation, we will soon have more funding available for the critically important budget areas like education, services for Illinois’ most vulnerable and poorest citizens, unpaid bills and other state priorities. These are all budget areas have been shortchanged for far too long.

“I view the passage of Senate Bill 1 as a great first step and hope that in the future we can take additional steps to reform our pension system to more sustainable levels.”