Dupage Policy Journal

With billions of dollars in looming pension debt, almost every GOP state House member approved a bill during the May 28 House Floor debate that limits the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

SB 3119, which is sponsored by Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside), amends the IMRF and mandates that any former police chief in a pension fund governed by downstate police who returns to work in any capacity with the police department will not be considered an employee. Additionally, the legislation lifts the annual Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) evaluation for firefighters who are 45-years-old or older.

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) questioned the Illinois Municipal League's (IML) opposition to the bill.

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) questioning SB3119 at the May 28 House floor debate.

“Peter, they seem to be opposed to [the] idea that the PTSD part is a slippery slope to eroding away evaluations and benefits,” Zalewski said, adding that he greatly disagrees.

It is misguided to have a traumatized firefighter relive a tragedy every year to continue benefits, according to the sponsor. 

“But that is the nature of the IML’s opposition,” Zalewski said.

Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) wanted to know first about the IMRF, not PTSD.

“Mike, help me understand what the limitations are going to be if someone comes back to the same municipality," Wehrli asked. "Does it allow them to get back into IMRF or into a 401(k)? What exactly are we doing here?”

Zalewski said that after a police chief has earned an IMRF pension, he or she is prohibited from returning to the IMRF. Wehrli, however,  wanted to know if a police chief could then receive retirement money from a downstate police or fire pension system from.

After being told "no," Wehrli wanted to know about the PTSD annual exam. 

“Is this the first time we would allow such exemptions to occur,” he asked.

The sponsor was unsure. 

“I don’t want to give you bad information on the record,” Zalewski said. “I don’t if this is the only time we have ever done this.”

Wehrli said that even though he is sympathetic to the PTSD exemption clause, especially after hearing from individuals who testified in committee, the slippery slope argument bothers him.

“We are going to allow it for one thing and where does it stop,” Wehrli said.

Though concerned, both Breen and Wehrli voted in favor of the bill. SB 3119 passed 106-4 in the House and the Senate unanimously concurred two days later.