A coalition of labor unions says a judge’s ruling that the state’s pension overhaul is unconstitutional is “a victory for every Illinois resident who believes in the integrity of the Constitution.”
The We Are One Illinois coalition issued a statement Friday, after Sangamon County Judge John Belz ruled in favor of state employees and retirees who sued to block the pension fix.
“We plan to immediately appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court so that we can obtain a final resolution of these important issues and allow the Governor and General Assembly to take any necessary action,” Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a statement. “We will ask the Court to expedite the appeal given the significant impact that a final decision in this case will have on the state’s fiscal condition.”
Illinois has the worst-funded state pension systems in the U.S., with a roughly $100 billion shortfall. Lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn approved the overhaul last year. It reduces benefits for retirees, but also reduces employee contributions.
“Today’s ruling is the first step in a process that should ultimately be decided by the Illinois Supreme Court,” said Governor-elect Bruce Rauner in a statement. “It is my hope that the court will take up the case and rule as soon as possible. I look forward to working with the legislature to craft and implement effective, bipartisan pension reform.”
The lawsuit argued the Constitution prohibits reducing benefits. The state argued pensions can be modified in times of crisis.