Trenches of Democracy

The Daily Herald covers a rare example of fiscal responsibility in Illinois politics:

Mayors seek an end to pension sweeteners

SPRINGFIELD — Mayors from across the suburbs and state asked lawmakers Thursday to halt all enhancements to police and firefighter pensions until the growing debt and its consequences for taxpayers can be studied.

Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said cities and villages increasingly find themselves unable to keep up with pension payments and the result could be higher property taxes or budget cuts in many communities.

Van Dusen said a review of 52 Northwest suburban communities found more than half — 30 — reported falling below the 75 percent ratio for pension funding, up from only six a few years prior. (read more)

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