Union-backed pension bill passes Senate

On Thursday, by a vote of 40-16, the state Senate passed SB 2404, which would address Illinois’ pension fund crisis while limiting the burden placed on placed on public employees and retirees.

The legislation, endorsed by the We Are One Illinois union coalition, garnered support from four Republicans and all but two Democrats. Click here to see how your senator voted.

SB 2404 is much fairer to employees and retirees than SB 1, the pension bill already passed by the House. SB 2404 will now go over to the House for a vote. Call your state representative today and tell them to support SB 2404 as passed by the Senate! You can call your representative toll-free by dialing (888) 412-6570 or by using the union coalition's click-to-call tool.

Thursday’s vote is a clear signal that strong support exists for a solution to Illinois’ pension crisis that is respectful of public employees and retirees and gives them a choice in providing for their retirement security.

SB 2404 stands in stark contrast to SB 1, which would drastically reduce the pension income of both active employees and current retirees throughout their retirement years by raising the retirement age and slashing cost-of-living adjustments, among other draconian changes.

With momentum on the side of real and fair pension reform, it is vital that members call their representatives and urge them to SUPPORT SB 2404 as passed by the Senate. You can call your representative toll-free by dialing (888) 412-6570 or by using the union coalition's click-to-call tool.

Pension reform that provides consideration and choice for public employees and retirees is the best path to bringing fiscal stability to the state pension systems in a fair and responsible manner. Call your representative today!