Just the threat of a pension cost shift is an immediate threat to every teacher in the state. « Fred Klonsky

Just the threat of a pension cost shift is an immediate threat to every teacher in the state. « Fred Klonsky:

Just the threat of a pension cost shift is an immediate threat to every teacher in the state.

by Fred Klonsky

There are a number of things that may happen when the Governor calls the General Assembly into session on August 17th that impact teachers and working people in Illinois.

• The House will be asked to pass HB1447. The Senate already has. HB1447 would force a class of state workers, not teachers, to choose between health care subsidy and a COLA.
• Both houses will be asked to consider a shift of the state’s pension obligation to local school districts.
• Both houses may be asked to consider a bill that would apply HB1447 to teachers as well. Or both the cost shift and the forced health care – COLA choice will be in one bill.
• We can hope that the House will reject HB1447 and that both houses will reject the pension cost shift and the forced choices.

To be clear: All these represent tremendous threats to teachers and to all working people in the state. I’ve