Over the protests of state employee unions, an Illinois House committee gave bipartisan support to a plan intended to repair Illinois' underfunded pensions. But the full House adjourned Monday without taking a vote.
The legislation would leave workers paying more for a smaller retirement benefit. House Republican leader Tom Cross said the change is necessary given the condition of Illinois' pension systems.
Longtime state employees in Illinois would no longer be able get free health insurance when they retire under legislation (SB 1313) approved by the Illinois House on May 9.
The vote is part of a push to cut pension benefits for government retirees. The governor, House speaker and other politicians want to save money by cutting pensions, health care and other costs.
Retired state and public university employees in Illinois will have to pitch in for their health insurance under a measure approved by an Illinois House committee.
Free health insurance is a benefit given to retirees who worked long careers in Illinois government. Legislators who serve as little as four years also get free health care when they retire.
