Illinois Pension Reform Bill On Hold [AUDIO]

Rachel Otwell -- Illinois Radio Network

The state pension overhaul, meant to fix a $100 billion unfunded liability, won’t go into effect this summer as planned.

Many state employees and retirees claim the changes are unconstitutional.  A Sangamon County judge consolidated five lawsuits into one that will be heard in Springfield, and issued a temporary restraining order, meaning the law will not take effect until the litigation is resolved.

One of the pension point people, State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), says the ruling is no surprise. “I think we were anticipating that this was going to happen, so I don’t think it changes anything in the near term.  And I don’t think it sends a signal one way or the other on how the courts will rule on this,” said Nekritz.

State Senator Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) says the overhaul should be found constitutional:

Ty Fahner, president of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, released a statement saying:  “We respect the process, but every day there is a delay, it’s costing Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars.”