LET’S NEGOTIATE
It’s now clear that “pension reform” is going to happen in Illinois sooner than later. Teachers and public employees are probably going to lose their cost of living increases and maybe pay more for health insurance. There are other dire consequences that appear possible at this time.
I want to know how the State and the public are going to “share in the pain ” of pension reform. I have suggested that the soon to expire temporary state income tax increase be made permanent, and all future revenue from the increase be placed in the public worker pensions.
We also need to think about what resources the State has that might be given to current and or retired teachers as part of a negotiated settlement on pension reform. I would suggest the following resources be made available to current and retired teachers as a small reward for the pain of giving up cost of living increases or other benefits:
1. Teachers and retirees have free access to all State licenses. Fishing, hunting, firearm cards, license plates, boating permits and all similar licenses.
2, Teachers and retirees have free access to all State parks, recreational and camping areas.
3. Teachers and retirees have free access to all public
I want to know how the State and the public are going to “share in the pain ” of pension reform. I have suggested that the soon to expire temporary state income tax increase be made permanent, and all future revenue from the increase be placed in the public worker pensions.
We also need to think about what resources the State has that might be given to current and or retired teachers as part of a negotiated settlement on pension reform. I would suggest the following resources be made available to current and retired teachers as a small reward for the pain of giving up cost of living increases or other benefits:
1. Teachers and retirees have free access to all State licenses. Fishing, hunting, firearm cards, license plates, boating permits and all similar licenses.
2, Teachers and retirees have free access to all State parks, recreational and camping areas.
3. Teachers and retirees have free access to all public