WATCH: Warnings of higher IL property taxes heard as pension bill advances

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – Supporters of an Illinois Statehouse pension measure say it is a “fix” for Tier 2 public employee pensions. Opponents say it will be too costly for state and local taxpayers.

State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, said amendments to Senate Bill 1937 will correct conflicts with Social Security provisions, saving taxpayers from covering possible penalties. The measure also increases cost of living adjustments to 3% a year for employees hired after 2011.

“Currently, under Tier 2 is 3% or half of the half of the change in the consumer index,” Hoffman told the House Revenue and Finance Committee Wednesday. “That’s not fair in that their pensions simply do not keep up with inflation.”

Republicans warned the aggregate cost for local taxpayers could be $15 billion.

Northwest Municipal Conference Executive Director Mark Fowler said in the first year alone, the measure would cost local taxpayers tens of millions of dollars extra.

“In some communities, local taxpayers could face the equivalent of a 10% property tax increase to fund the pension benefit increases proposed in Senate Bill 1937.”

Illinois already has the highest property taxes in the country.

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, said the issue isn’t the annual costs of pension benefits increases.

“It is not the benefits. The benefits payment is about $2 billion. The issue here is the unfunded liability,” Kifowit told the committee. “And so we have laid out a plan to pay for that. We have laid out a plan that is fiscally responsible.”

State Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, criticized Democrats for working on the issue without Republicans or other stakeholders. He motioned to table to measure.

“We’re $140 billion in debt. I think we need to start from square one,” Reick said. “We heard people talking about dignity in this state. There is also dignity in not making promises you can’t pay for.”

Reick’s motion failed in committee.

The measure is advancing at the Statehouse. Thursday is the final day of fall veto session.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Adopts Business District Redevelopment Program Alongside Local Grant Initiatives

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council formally adopted a Business District Redevelopment Program on Monday, advancing local commercial initiatives while...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Tri-Valley Outlasts Casey-Westfield 11-9 in High-Scoring Tournament Clash

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team engaged in an offensive shootout on Saturday morning, falling 11-9 to Tri-Valley in a neutral-site tournament matchup at the Rantoul Sports Complex. Despite a strong...
clark county sheriff graphic

Clark County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning Over Fake Parking Violation Text Scam

Article Summary: The Clark County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents about a new text messaging scam where individuals receive fraudulent notices regarding parking violations. Authorities are urging the public not...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Calumet Christian Uses Late Surge to Defeat Casey-Westfield 5-3

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team suffered a hard-fought 5-3 defeat to Calumet Christian in a neutral-site tournament game on Friday. Despite a strong defensive effort and holding the lead through...
Clark County Graphic.6

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for February 20, 2026

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Overall Meeting Summary:The Clark County Board met on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Clark County Courthouse to tackle a heavy agenda...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student's alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey City Council Approves $91,500 Investment for New Emergency Sirens

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday authorized a major public safety upgrade, approving the purchase of new municipal...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Goble’s Dominant Relief Stint Sparks Casey-Westfield to 12-0 Shutout Win

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team utilized a dominant, combined one-hitter from its pitching staff to secure a 12-0 non-conference victory over Parke Heritage on Thursday afternoon. The hosts broke the...