Politics makes strange bedfellows
Wednesday, Feb 9, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Synopsis of SB4053…
Amends the Chicago Police and Chicago Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that beginning January 1, 2023, the minimum widow’s annuity shall be no less than 150% (rather than 125%) of the Federal Poverty Level for all persons receiving widow’s annuities on or after that date, without regard to whether the deceased policeman or fireman is in service on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.
An unfunded state-mandated pension sweetener supported by both the Chicago FOP’s John Catanzara and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot which is sponsored by Rep. Rob Martwick, and the Republicans on the committee all voted for it today.
If you’re at all confused by the references, just click those links.
- Boone's is Back - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:00 pm:
Nice to see that these electeds care about runaway pension debt and obligations. But who cares when you’re getting that sweet, sweet fed stimmy…
- anon2 - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:19 pm:
So Democrats AND Republicans support unfunded mandates that impose higher costs upon local government.
- Watching - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:32 pm:
This creative bringing together sounds like Dave Sullivan may have been involved. Glad to seeing some agreement for a change. And helping widows should certainly bring people together.
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:58 pm:
The drip, drip, drip of these increases, all well meaning and reasonable in and of themselves, is how you dig the pension hole so deep.
- MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:01 pm:
In 2022, 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) that a widowed spouse would receive is $20,385. (125% of FPG would be $16,988)
I don’t begrudge them a nickel of it.
– MrJM
- The Velvet Frog - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:04 pm:
This has been a contradiction for those on the right for a while - trying to be both pro law enforcement and anti union. I’d love to hear one of them explain why unions always terrible…except for cops.
- Da big bad wolf - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:07 pm:
=== The drip, drip, drip of these increases, all well meaning and reasonable in and of themselves, is how you dig the pension hole so deep.===
You then have to pay into the pensions as well.
Do you think it is easy to find people to do this work without a pension?
- Manchester - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:24 pm:
What MrJM said - all day long.
- Bob Meter - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:41 pm:
Maybe it’s time to start talking about an increase to the 3% cola.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:58 pm:
“I don’t begrudge them a nickel of it.”
Same.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:13 pm:
“…widow’s annuity…” language should be updated.
- SAP - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:41 pm:
I think Darren Bailey has a funding plan.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:58 pm:
MrJM has the correct attitude…per usual