Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois state Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) is in complete agreement with the findings of a new survey that show the majority of state residents would be willing to go as far as enacting a constitutional amendment as a way of dealing with out-of-control pension costs.

“These pensions are something that we’ve needed to address for a while now,” Grant told the DuPage Policy Journal. “The other side thinks things would be addressed by enacting the progressive tax system, but I’ve always said instead of amending the state constitution for something like that we would be much better off doing it for something that helps us finally get our pension costs under control.”

Southern Illinois University conducted a poll that found 51% of respondents now stand in favor of a change to the system that, while honoring the benefits of all retired public employees, would allow for a reduction in benefits of all current and all future state workers.

“Going forward, putting new hires in 401K-styled pensions would be a far more predictable way of controlling our pensions,” Grant added. “Until we do what needs to be done in that area we’re going to have problems.”

More in-depth analysis also shows that the measure holds support across multiple sectors, including 46% of individuals earning under $50,000,  50% of those earning up to $100,000 and 57% of those topping $100,000. In addition, residents over the age of 66 showed the most support at 54%.

Still, with Illinois already being home to the worse pension crisis in the country, Grant said she thinks she knows why Democrats fight as hard as they do to prop up a broken system.

“Maybe because the unions are so strong,” she said.  “They’re a big source of support for Democrats and none of them want to risk losing that support by doing something the unions don’t want.”