Wednesday, October 3, 2012

UPDATE: Q and A. Getting the word out about Constitutional Amendment 49. « Fred Klonsky

Q and A. Getting the word out about Constitutional Amendment 49. « Fred Klonsky:


Q and A. Getting the word out about Constitutional Amendment 49.




 Fred,
I would be interested in contacting via mail, the union members in this state who will be affected by the amendment on the ballot in November to inform them on how a “yes” vote will negatively (a mild word) affect their pensions forever. I am willing to donate time and money to getting the word out. Is this necessary, or has everyone concerned been informed?
- Ann
Ann,
I applaud your enthusiasm and willingness to spend time and money to get the word out about Constitutional amendment 49. 
As you point out, this will be a ballot issue for voters in Illinois on November 6th.
To be approved, the amendment must receive 3/5th of the votes cast. 
The amendment will “propose to amend the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution. [This amendment] provides that no bill, except a bill for appropriations, that 


Ten minute drawing. Zinger.



Click on drawing to enlarge.


TRS Director Richard Ingram. There he goes again.


TRS Director Richard Ingram.
Earlier this year Richard Ingram created a problem by going rogue and calling for a “new reality” when it comes to pension reform. His new reality entailed benefit cuts rather than funding reform.
At the time, the TRS board remained silent. Sitting on the TRS board is IEA President Cinda Klickna.
Now Ingram is back. While TRS is not supposed to get into legislative proposals, Ingram told Crain’s that TRS COLAs had to be cut.
Again, there has been nothing in response from the TRS board or Klickna.

In an interview with Crain’s editors and reporters, Richard Ingram, executive director of the underfunded Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System, said state politicians will have few other options if they want to make meaningful progress