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* 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.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:21 pm

Comments

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…

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:00 pm
So Democrats AND Republicans support unfunded mandates that impose higher costs upon local government.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:19 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.

Comment by Watching Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:32 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.

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:58 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

Comment by MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:01 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.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:04 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?

Comment by Da big bad wolf Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:07 pm
What MrJM said - all day long.

Comment by Manchester Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:24 pm
Maybe it’s time to start talking about an increase to the 3% cola.

Comment by Bob Meter Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:41 pm
“I don’t begrudge them a nickel of it.”

Same.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:58 pm
“…widow’s annuity…” language should be updated.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:13 pm
I think Darren Bailey has a funding plan.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:41 pm
MrJM has the correct attitude…per usual

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:58 pm