Editorial: Next for pension reform: Chicago

Monday, December 9, 2013

For Chicago lawmakers who thought Tuesday's pension vote was politically dangerous, just wait until next year. Then on the docket in Springfield: gravely needed reforms for the retirement systems that benefit Chicago teachers, city workers, laborers, firefighters and police.

Illinois lawmakers, who regulate state and municipal retirement funds, passed a pension bill last week that affects state workers, teachers outside Chicago, university employees and General Assembly members. But those dangerously over-obligated yet underfunded pension funds are in better shape than some of Chicago's, particularly the retirement funds for police and fire personnel.