This Week in Springfield
Last Friday afternoon, many state workers got some very good news, while Illinois taxpayers might be crying or wringing their hands. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled to strike down the 2013 state's pension law, saying it was unconstitutional. The high court ruled that even modifying future increase violates the state Constitution's nondiminution pension clause.
The court's decision is no surprise. It follows a similar decision earlier this year that interpreted health insurance for public retirees, not traditionally considered part of the pension program, to be protected by the nondiminution clause. That ruling foreshadowed Friday's decision.
Many statehouse insiders look at the ruling and know we're are very likely going to have to raise taxes in the future.
It will be a busy week down in Springfield. The Senate will be moving House bills from committe to the floor. Tomorrow in the House there will be a "committee of the whole" on tort reform. No floor votes are scheduled for tomorrow. On Thursday, the House will take up Gov. Rauner's "right to work" bill. This will also take up a good portion of the day.