Pritzker hints at pay, pension plans for public workers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is beginning to reveal some details about how hell handle payouts to state workers and Illinois woefully underwater pension systems.
In a news conference about putting further oversight on the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Pritzker was asked about how he would pay for the union wage increases hed promised on his first full day on the job. He wasnt clear on funding but did say that his administration would soon pay the back wage increases the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31 had fought former Gov. Bruce Rauner in court over.
Were living up to the court orders, he said. It wasnt being done by prior administrations and thats our job to follow the law.
Rauners office maintained that the General Assembly hadnt appropriated the funds for the step increases, which are raises based on time in the state position, not tied to merit. After unfavorable court decisions, the raises were ordered to be paid out last fall, with Rauners office saying they may not be able to pay for the increases valued near $400 million.
Read more: https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/pritzker-hints-at-pay-pension-plans-for-public-workers/article_bf4cedd0-1da5-11e9-a6b7-0be06c2c273a.html