The Only Story Tonight
Big news....good news...and not so good at the same time:
- The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday unanimously ruled unconstitutional a landmark state pension law that aimed to scale back government worker benefits to erase a massive $105 billion retirement system debt, sending lawmakers and the new governor back to the negotiating table to try to solve the pressing financial issue.
The ruling also reverberated at City Hall, imperiling a similar law Mayor Rahm Emanuel pushed through to shore up two of the four city worker retirement funds and making it more difficult for him to find fixes for police, fire and teacher pension funds that are short billions of dollars.
At issue was a December 2013 state law signed by then-Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn that stopped automatic, compounded yearly cost-of-living increases for retirees, extended retirement ages for current state workers and limited the amount of salary used to calculate pension benefits.
On the one hand, this is great news for the pension. It means that words enshrined in legislation have actual meaning.
On the other hand, it's not very good news, because the words words enshrined in legislation have actual meaning.
The Court pointed out (correctly) exactly who was to blame:
On the other hand, it's not very good news, because the words words enshrined in legislation have actual meaning.
The Court pointed out (correctly) exactly who was to blame:
- "Our economy is and has always been subject to fluctuations, sometimes very extreme fluctuations," Republican Justice Lloyd Karmeier wrote on behalf of all seven justices. "The law was clear that the promised benefits would therefore have to be paid and that the responsibility for providing the state's share of the necessary funding fell squarely on the legislature's shoulders.
"The General Assembly may find itself in crisis, but it is a crisis which other public pension systems managed to avoid and ... it is a crisis for which the General Assembly itself is largely responsible," Karmeier wrote.
This ruling is a huge blow to Rahm's efforts to gut contractual protections and may mean he has to eat Daley's mess in short order. You see, the legislature (and city council) passed numerous pension bills and laws at the behest of their union constituents and and received tens, probably hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from the unions, knowing full well that the promises made were mathematically impossible without regular incremental tax hikes. The legislature (and city council) then failed to make those contributions, declaring various pension holidays or "deferring" payments or promising "no new (property) taxes" to get reelected - we remember Shortshanks saying this during numerous election cycles. Combine this with assorted neighborhood expenditures, crooked contracts and associated overruns, numerous financial debacles (including the No-lympics) and you have a recipe for disaster coming to fruition on Rahm's watch.
The Tribune points out dark days ahead:
The Tribune points out dark days ahead:
- So the huge enterprise of government in Illinois now confronts a financial challenge unlike any it has known: The new taxation necessary to satisfy all of these state and local pension demands would make this a ghost state.
So let the restructuring begin. The Illinois legislators who created this retiree benefits debacle will try to shift the blame. Notice how often you hear about “Rauner’s proposed budget cuts” for this and the next fiscal year. As if the newcomer, not his predecessors, devastated state finances.
No, voters understood who caused this. They elected Rauner in the hope that he could lead the salvage mission. Many of the legislators who voted for the provisions now choking state and local governments will fight him every step of the way.
The blame-game has begun.
Labels: pension
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
152 Comments:
We are one of the top taxed state citizens in the nation. There are two options:
1) change illinois constitution
2) federal bankruptcy court where the state constitution does not matter
I prefer #2. Follow the detroit model.
"Combine this with assorted neighborhood expenditures, crooked contracts and associated overruns, numerous financial debacles (including the No-lympics)..."
..and what they call "unofficial court expenses" in Indonesia.
Not satisfied with 10 years in prison instead of being shot at midnight in some jungle clearing, Heather Mack of Oak Park (not "Chicago") is working to get another $200,000 out of her voluminous trust fund "to pay attorneys for an appeal."
All this type of person...ya gotta love 'em, right?
Illinois is doomed, doomed, doomed! I'm glad I got out of that horrible when I could. Today's court ruling is the official death knell for Illinois. Anyone who knows what is good for them needs to leave Illinois as soon as they can.
Not many people noticed 2 or 3 elections ago there was a measure on the ballot to change the state constitution. It was almost a 50 50 split in voting. This was just a test measure to gauge how the public would vote. When people are presented with a tax increase or vot to change pension benefits which do you think they will pick?
Illinois will be taxing pensions in the near future.
The State and cities are busted, broke. They plain don't have the necessary billions. The only solution to to declare bankruptcy. Dark days are ahead.
Madigan has been in Springfield for 40 years. Look in the mirror, Mikey. It's got your fingerprints all over it.
I'd like to see Rauner deliver on his term limit campaign promise.
Heard Bruce say if you were nearing retirement you would get your pension he would do his best to put everyone else into. 401k retirement plans!
If you think Rauner is going to help save the Police and Fire pensions you're crazy! He could careless about any working family in this state and is trying to push his agenda of right to work so all the big time CEOs and big money backers can make more money, while hard working people in this state get shafted!!
Wow ! Looks like they are running out of road for the can.
uh....... now what ?
Well the time has come to pay the piper. The only real source if revenue is the property tax we can expect the city portion to double if not more. Anyone who didn't see it coming wasn't looking. Can't say I'm happy about it. My attitude lately is let's get it over with already. If u can move from chicago u probably should and let the next guy pay the bill
1970 when this started. How many governors since then? How many free public elections took place? The math is solid yet thieves were allowed to double, triple dip,pad their pensions, ghost payrolls, pork project to get votes, how many family members are on the welfare dime, the real pension welfare gigs where they are allowed to work a few hours a day yet call someone else lazy? We all pay the price for our indifference. There was plenty for everyone to take care of their family, pay bills, go on vacations yet a few got fucking greedy and now look where we are. Fighting against each other, comparing the size of our wallets as our living conditions go to ruin. Not only this state but many others where the pension lies have caused chaos and turmoil. This will not end pretty.
We better not hear any shit from Dean about negotiations with our pensions. Let the City pay and divert money from other sources. Maybe Rahm should negotiate welfare reform instead of trying to find ways to reduce our pension.
Pay my Pension Like you Pay Democrat Politician Pensions
Enough Said
Start charging organizations like the catholic church that get Free security like at the cardinals funeral
Yeah it sucks when you have to pay your bills. They coulda been paying all along. In the end we the taxpayers will get stuck with the bill while former elected officials laugh at how they pocketed the tif $$. Rham will raise taxes so his pet projects don't run outta funding. The Chicago/Illinois way...
A politician can't say no to anyone that wants money, they're a voter. Damn, where did the responsible adult go? You know, in a family with a father that says no or a mother that says no, we can't afford this, we have bills to pay first.
All of those nice projects that are just so nice and will be so helpful to the city but, how will we pay for them? We can't so stop spending what we don't have.
SCC: I don't know if you want to run this as a separate post or leave it as a comment. It's one of my longest responses.
We're not out of the woods. It's call bankruptcy and it's going to happen when the stock market crashes before the 2016 election.
There's a shitstorm coming. We all sense it. If you're wondering why there's so much negative publicity of law enforcement in recent months, it's by design. There's a ton of anger and hopelessness out there; and it's not just in the poor neighborhoods. It's everywhere.
Never, in my lifetime have I witnessed disillusionment with our elected leaders. If you thought Jimmy Carter was terrible, get a load of today's Republicans and Democrats. Useless. Not a leader or legit guy in the bunch unless you're talking Rand Paul or someone else who'll speak the truth.
What we have is a terrible economic condition that doesn't have an easy remedy. Government spending going to get slashed. Programs gutted. Entitlements slashed. Government pensions? You're looking at bankruptcies across the board.
The end result is anger from the populace. Anger is like energy. Uncontrolled energy, such as lighting during a thunderstorm is destructive. However, energy correctly used in our homes is useful. There's a use for anger that's out there and our politicians are making use of it. It's called blame the police.
There's always been a liberal bias against law enforcement. But not like today. The Ferguson episode was a hoax. But that was the start needed to divert the anger from the politicians. Irresponsible, if not criminal statements by Obama, Holder, and DeBlasio led to the assassinations of two of NYPDs finest.
Heck, even Tom Brady is catching hell from deflate gate because he was "Probably aware". Well that's like a jury saying, "He's probably guilty." That's only happened one time that I knew of and that guys name is Drew Peterson. How about saying the Wall Streeters "Probably knew" the housing bubble was going to hit years before it did? Where's the rioting and protesting?
Once the markets crash, that's when the real fun starts. But in order to divert that energy, I believe a staged terrorist attack will be blamed and this time every Arabic citizen will receive the anger.
In the end, the Ruling Class stays in power by dividing and conquering. It's been used in the last and it's being used today.
Good. Now elect republicans and lets get America back on track starting with the deportation of all illegal aliens, followed by useless liberals.
Cops and fire fighter retirees actually came out pretty good in the Detroit bankruptcy. Detroit is a ghost town but enough assets were found to almost fully fund the pensions. Chicago on the other hand has numerous assets that could be sold to shore up all city pensions. Of course for Raccoon Eyes and his fellow conniving politicians there is no benefit for them putting tax dollars into pensions. Handing out bloated contracts brings in donations. This will take a long time to play out. Hope for the best.
By all means keep building Maggie Daley park.
In 2010 if you'll recall there was a proposed amendment to the constitution to change the pension benefits and it missed passing by only 4%. Be ready for it to be brought back on the 2020 ballot and a full onslaught against all greedy government employees boys and girls. I hope the union coalition stays united and sends a clear message going forward including reminding everyone exactly who is to blame for this debacle.
What a happy day for the retired police officers !
Order up. Mikey special, extra sauce.
SO.....do retirees get cost of living retro checks???
The supreme court ruled in our favor. But that doesn't mean the problem is solved.
The rest of the world is going through a great economic restructuring. They are learning to live within their means and to do more with less. But we as Americans have decided the fundamental rules of economics and finance do not apply to us. How foolish and arrogant of us.
I hope this stops Rahm dead in his tracks.
Pension "reform" was always political theater to set the stage for the massive tax hikes coming.
The same laws that protect workers pensions also protect the politicians and ironically the judgers who ruled on this case.
And in order to tell taxpayers they have "skin in the game" police and fire will see their contributions rise from the current 9 1/8% to 11 or 12%. But to do so will mean BARGAINING.
Now I don't have a problem paying a little more on my end, what you going to give me in the form of increased benefits in return?
Now the Citizens of Illinois MUST demand a Grand Jury investigation into Daley and Madigan for causing this Ponzi Scheme and put then in the Federal Prison downtown, Oh but make sure they have a view of Millienium Park.May you two Irish pricks ,rot in hell ..............
How will this ruling affect VRI?
Democrat leadership in Detroit.
Democrat leader ship in Chicago.
Move away and take away the tax money that feeds the beast.
So what's to stop a state or city from declaring bankruptcy? If the state don't have the money, what else should they do? Force higher property taxes on its residents? (but the US still gives out billions on foreign aid)
If the state is broke what else is there to do? Raise property taxes? Build more casinos? Or start cutting the over-sized government employment?
from another site:
Remember, when people start to moan and groan about tax increases or cuts in services so that these pensions can be shored up, that it is THOSE SAME CITIZENS that have reaped the benefits of those pension holiday's. The beautification, extra social services, enhancements, freezing taxes that have been made, have been made at our expense.
Guess what? It's time to pay up!!
There is plenty of money to pay the pension obligations. There isn't enough money to pay for all of the special interest programs, all of the contracts that go to the clouted and can be cut because they are unnecessary.
All of the Capitol improvements and road contracts going to the clouted contributors that can be stopped or delayed. And all of those state grants that go to the activist that are always for the children, but when the organization is asked for an accounting we find that millions go spiraling off to unknown places never to be see again or accounted for. Remember that in many of these political families the entire clan is on the public payroll. And look at how many of the clouted sweetened their own pensions by using tricks allowed by the same legislature that screwed it all up. Just look around officer at your own organization at how it is run and who runs it, who gets promoted to be in a position to run it. This is the money that buys the votes that keep these vultures in office. But remember this is all from the tax payers, it is not theirs to steal. They thought that all they had to do was to steal from the retires, renig on the contracts, stop paying the bills and keep on stealing the public funds for their own benefit. It is not that difficult to fix. Just stop the theft and run everything on the legit. But this will require the cut off of the life style that the politicians have come to love. When the choice has to be made between the cut off of their funds or ours we will always loose unless we can force them to do the right thing or just get them out of office.
I guess the politicians might have to stop building $100+ million dollar parks & monuments and naming them after themselves . . .
They want build a presidentual library insteadvos a casino. How is that suppose to fix the debt. That is minus a billion vs billions a year.
Let me see what's in Chicago's future. My glass ball is telling me higher taxes across the board or were the next Detroit. Instead of curb spending and budgeting money better we are just going to put it on the good citizens that have jobs and can afford to pay the taxes. God forbid us on cutting benefits to the blood suckers of city/state. I wonder if an increase is going to cause more people to foreclose on homes and businesses to leave Chicago. Mmmm time will tell how fu@ked will be
They need to increase red light and speed camera tickets 25%. A casino would be huge.
Increase fees on ANOVs - people are not getting locked up as much anyway.
Make more productive jobs. Jobs that give back by improving the city and providing employment.
Do not buy police cameras $$ (waste of money)
$200 a year per family member to be part of safe haven. They all work for cash.
Make a big them park/water park
These will take care of the problem.
Thank you and have a great day.
Now that the SC has very clearly ruled out cutting the pension benefits of public employees, there are only two ways to attempt to make up the fiscal deficits which remain as a result. Slash spending and raise taxes. Neither spending cuts alone nor raising taxes will erase the shortfall. Both methods will have to be employed. The spending cuts will have to be deep and across the board and will include cutting numerous social programs, funds for education, infrastructure programs, hiring freezes and cuts to public safety and law enforcement programs. The tax increases will be monumental. Instead of a 3.75% income tax, prepare for something in the nature of 8 to 10%. There will be income taxes on pension money paid to pensioners. Property taxes will be raised by all taxing bodies due to the fact that the local taxing bodies will not be receiving any funds from the state. Chicago may have to impose its own income tax on people who make their livings in the city. State and local sales taxes will be increased. Expect taxes to be levied for the first time ever on services like haircuts, health clubs and car washes. All the amusement, hotel and sin taxes will be raised. And, of course, the pols will substantially raise taxes on corporations and employers. Even with all the coming cuts and tax increases, it is not clear that will be enough to shore up the mess left by the politicians and the corrupt union officials who knew that their agreements over the last several decades would lead to the present economic disaster and reckoning.
What will be the result of massive cuts and record breaking taxes? Corporations and employers will leave the state in droves. No one in their right mind will open a business here. Any individuals who can will leave for greener pastures such as Texas, Tennessee and Florida. Education cuts will result in families leaving for other venues where educational resources will be better. Young people will not move to Illinois to begin careers because of the high taxes and shortages of opportunity. Police services will be cut to a minimum, crime will increase as a result and people will leave Illinois for safer places. Ultimately, the very tax base which government is relying upon to erase the deficits will shrink as businesses and individuals abandon Illinois. If the tax base shrinks significantly, the state will be right back in the same fiscal place with looming deficits and not enough people and corporations to tax to make up the shortfall. In other words, welcome to Hell.
Does this means retirees will get regular COLAs instead of every other year or whatever was instituted?
"Many of the legislators who voted for the provisions now choking state and local governments will fight him every step of the way."
---
So where to start? We sure don't want to lose police pension benefits. I like my pension showing up once a month. Most police vote conservative and claim to be Republican. Then who or what to cut? Not us, that is clear.
Raise taxes? That is not Republican. That is Democrat? Start printing money, "Illinois Bucks?"
Who would accept them except as fire starting material?
Someone has to pay somewhere, taxpayers or employees. There isn't anyone else. Where to start? Who pays?
Easy way out - pass bankruptcy legislation for the municipalities. Chicago hits bankruptcy along with a few others. All of the state increases go to prop up the state pension funds.
Did those wise judges on the supreme court happen to say where the money is coming from? Hopefully the feds will bail the state and cities out. If not chaos will ensue. The unions should have ditched the pension system 20 years ago, pensions have been obsolete for at least that long.
It will be fascinating to see what happens when the bond market just stops funding the state. Thats worse than bankruptcy.
Cut Welfare, Not Pensions, fuckin Democrats (Communists)
here is something very good many may have missed. A constitutional Professor stated on one program, that this ruling may mean that all retirees who had their benefits reduced nay have a actionable cause. He believes that the Courts decision means that NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY HAS THE RIGHT TO DIMINISH THE BENEFITS YOU WERE PROMISED WHEN YOU TOOK THE JOB. Obviously, there are no sure things in court, but this may open a door for anyone who has retired over the last 20 years and had their insurance or escalator reduced; even those whose union contracts negotiated pension benefits. Seems the State Constitution trumps local laws and local union contracts. Very Interesting. Let the class action suits begin.
Elections have consequences.
America in general, is broke. A full collapse is around the corner.
The Chicago Board of Education will declare bankruptcy this summer.
The city and state will watch how that unfolds. If it works, then the separate pension funds will all file for bankruptcy. If it doesn't, the city will file for bankruptcy with the general assembly's OK before the end of 2016.
You will see how this horror movie ends by the end of next year.
Does anyone know if this will affect the recent increases in under 55 retiree health care costs??
Does anyone know if this will affect the recent increases in under 55 retiree health care costs??
It's a well written decision and it should be read in its entirety:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2015/118585.pdf
Some highlights:
1) Employees or the benefits they receive are not to blame - it's the politicians who diverted the money intended for pension use;
2) Defined benefit pension systems work just fine (the Court gives a whole list of currently fully funded pension systems - one of which is in Illinois), as long as the politicians play by the rules;
3) Kwame Raoule is clueless.
I know no one on this board wants to believe it, but Rauner is a money guy and he can fix it. Madigan and Cullerton are the problem.
My guess is that they are simply going to amend the Illinois constitution. In order to enact whatever type of reform they want. When these political assholes don't want to play by the rules, they change the rules.
I forsee the casino plans moving ahead quickly.
Now we need another big victory!!
Now it is time to support efforts to repeal the H.R. 973 introduced by Rodney Davis (R- IL). “The Social Security Fairness Act of 2015.” This is a complete repeal of both the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
http://www.ssfairness.com
Check out this link and learn more. Please sign the online petition that is available on this site. If we don't act now we will be robbed of thousands of dollars in benefits you paid for if you contributed to Social Security!
SC bloggers, how about a post addressing these efforts? Thanks!
The term "Pension reform" is actually "Pension theft". Rauner, rham, msall, etc. literally broke the law to try to diminish our benefits. Do not ever use the words pension reform again. We are talking about pension theft. They had a party with the nine percent you paid in from day one, now they expect you to pay the bill while they split a bottle of $6, 000 wine.
If they can't pay pensions, what can they pay for? Ceasefire? Link? Depaul basketball? Muslim motif at intersections at elston, montrose and Pulaski? They have the money, it is not their money, and Illinois will never be a ghost state. Remember this, if they put recruits in a 401k, no one will be paying existing pensioneers, it can't work. They are stuck, after they tried to pass the bag of shit to you...make you "bleed". They wanted to pay their friends to "manage" the new pension system. I am asking Dean Angelo and every cpd member past and present, to never use or say the words "Pension reform" again. Say, "pension theft". We had to go to the Supreme court to stop them from commiting a crime to take our earned benefits. Recognize this for what it is...a brazen attempt by one percenters to steal from you and others like you.
Support the teachers and every other union member in this state. We are one. We need to support every one against these one percenters.
and now for the politicians to put up a change to the constitution next year, and then have their way, since we agreed to negotiate pension in our contract anyway. Thanks for the pension language, ASSHOLES.
can the city declare our pension bankrupt without the city itself filing bankruptcy? Does anyone really know? If he can he will
The Trib supported those who looted the pension funds. Maybe they should be made to start telling the truth.
I wish the Court would have just come out and said that Madigan by name and his cartel were completely to blame since they were the ones running the state for decades. When will fools in his district give him and that Cullerton weasel the boot ?
I'm sure glad I moved out. The bills aren't going away like all the businesses are
Ask yourself, apart from the job holders from the 13th Ward and his business partners, is anyone in Illinois better off for the lengthy tenure of Michael J. Madigan?
The decline and fall of Illinois is largely attributable to his reign.
Rahm's already spouting that his pension reforms are different and would pass constitutional muster because his were "negotiated" with the unions.
Ok Rahm..... great plan you have there. People voted for this guy because he had the plan to fix our financial woes?
His only plan he had was based on "relief" from the state and pension "reforms". Ok on to plan B now eh Rahm?
What's that... you have no plan B? Ruh rho.
Big fucking deal! The city is still going to NOT HONOR THEIR WORD. So that means our pension fund will die a slow death until finally the money is simply not there. I am retiring in four months. At this point, I really don't give a shit. I am going to wither away and die anyways.
Ok rahms your move 550 million due, by December 2015, what are you gonna do? Rahms you have shown you have billions hidden, tifs, money found for m.daley park, the river walk,bike trails, pathetic bike lanes that bring travel in this city to a halt, giving tax money to DePaul a grammar school type of college to build a stadium, how much to the lol safe passage? You have flushed billions is taxpayer money now comes time to pay the police who with extremely limited resources and a "gold badge circus" which just drains the pension fund more!
How about rahm you and Bruce stop the double triple dipping friends of yours that depleted the pension funds? How about you get a gold star your pensionable money stops at civil service rank? So lieutenant would be highest pay out, or looking at gold stars on your detail patrolman would be highest payout? You want ideas? Looking at today's suntimes your quoted as saying you want a "29% employee contribution" to the fund! Here you go stop the link. Stop 3 meals a day in school, stop the safe passage cash grab, stop the reverend payouts, there's a start!
"Liberalism is a mental disorder" to quote the great doctor Michael savage!
Now come more of the "Executive Order" rulings.
The next IL Constitution Convention is in 2028 and Anti-Union Gov Ruiner & Mayo Rahmf will attempt to circumvent current law and spend millions to scheme their way into taking money from retirees.
This issue is not over.
Austerity is the word of the day. Let us start with the give a ways. The derelicts move to greener pastures and the city improves again. Win, Win!!!!!!
One could say the cup is half full or half empty with this ruling, depending if you're a public pensioner or a taxpayer or someone who believes in following a constitution, as it is written.
The bad part of this ruling where the court followed the constitution as written (a good thing) is that the same people responsible for the pension funding disaster are the people now in power who are charged with fixing it.
A little good, bad and ugly.
The ugly is, I don't see the same people in politics with the same political philo$ophy that has destroyed the economic vitality of this state being capable of fixing it.
What that means from my perspective is public pensioners get zero when the city and state go bankrupt or just flat out can't suck the money out of somebody or something because tof the giant sucking sound of those that leave IL (those with means to leave -- those who have money)
The situation is not hopeless. Dire steps will correct the situation. Right-to-work legislation to make IL a competitive state for business, an across the board cut in ALL budgets of some percentage, wage freezes, a tax surcharge on double and triple pensioners and pensioneers whos pensions were goosed up after working days or weeks at a higher pay level just before retirement, Draw down of some of the TIF fund to put in to underfunded pensions, elimination of no-bid contracts, transparency...full transparency on all government bids and projects, modest increase in untaxed seevices, modest increase in real estate taxes.
The crony chicago way of governing and ripping off the taxpayer has got to stop right now. Unions have got to come to the realization the city/state isn't going to be sucked dry.
Is any of this going to happen?
I doubt it. I hope I'm wrong.
If I'm right, many got what looks like a favorable court ruling when in fact you got an early notice your pension has been terminated for lack of funds.
Rahm wants us to pay 29% of our salary for our pensions talk about ridiculous! To think the city obviously has the money the city just don't want to pay Rahm wants to use that money for that project and to get our money which is our tax there's money to the less fortunate or to the link card holders to people that surround him to do with our money and building worthless project for his friends and family Gee wonder how much is going to Manila envelopes!
Paying me my pension is now guaranteed. The State has a 30 some BILLION dollar yearly budget. For you that say the State is broke, or the cities are broke-WRONG. That means the States revenue in 30 BILLION something.
They just refuse to pay what share that they owe. Now their scam to get out of paying once again their share is changed.
Gee-cut some other things like social services money. And all the other "sacred stuff" like bike paths and stadiums and other vote grabbing crap...pay our pension share.
Build a casino or something and put that money to pensions you must contribute to.
Not many people noticed 2 or 3 elections ago there was a measure on the ballot to change the state constitution. It was almost a 50 50 split in voting. This was just a test measure to gauge how the public would vote. When people are presented with a tax increase or vot to change pension benefits which do you think they will pick?
The last vote in Illinois regarding a constitutional convention was held on 04-Nov-2008. The result was overwhelmingly NO. No: 67.23% / Yes: 32.77%. You call that close, get your facts straight!
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102662409
I am a Sgt who retired a few years back at 63. I have free insurance from the city right now but come September when I turn 65, my health benefits will be paid by me. for my Medicare supplement, my wife and my adult dependent daughter will be $ 1150.00 per month. That is just pathetic. that will be about 20 percent of my pension. Also I applied last week for my Social Security and if the Rostenkowski bill wasn't in effect I would get $1100.00 per month but they take 60 percent. Then I told the folks at Social Security about my years of paying into the fund and they checked and said because I had 27 years of substantial earnings I will get 900 per month less my taxes. So if you people have worked part time jobs and made good money for a lot of years I would check because you may not lose that much. I really hate to give the system back my hard earned bucks but it is what it is!!!. I think that letters should be sent to that Northbrook based politician Nekritz who keeps pushing to reduce our pensions.
OFF TOPIC: SCC please look into a asst.Prof. at Boston College her name is GRUNDY [African American Studies] see if you think you should post a little something for he Troops to read.These are the kind of people that are teaching our kids today you won't believe what this POS has to say THANKS I'm retired but I love our guy's and girls still working G-D Bless you all.
09:26am your right on buddy.
St Sabina is being used for auditions for casting in the upcoming true to life documentary CHIRAQ. One of the ladies in line said that she was looking for a job since there are no jobs. If you listen to the Washington bureaucrats and the objective mainstream media, one would deduce that there is full employment based on their exuberance. Its interesting politicians are given credit for manufactured jobs stats but not the out of control unemployment in urban areas.
St. Sabina was a place of worship built by lots of volunteer work by those European American residents. Today its about political agendas much like super McCarthy used the sacred altar to blame the murders on the N.R.A. or Sarah Palin. The previous residents who built the church did not experience crime in this magnitude nor need political agendas to solve social matters. By the way, C.P.D. has yet to go to a Grand Jury to indict neither Governor Palin nor the N.R.A. for murderous rampage on a daily basis in this parish’s community.
Thank You Spike Lee for the awareness of the daily behavior of fatherless youth. You may want to plan ahead and order those toe tags, caskets, body bags, crime scene tape, teddy bears and empty liquor bottles for your props. Just a heads up, these things are in short supply in summer. Spike don’t forget to include those anti-violence marches and those endless funeral processions to the cemetery on 115th street. And the Supe's appearance at St. Sabina with his diatribe on progressives enemies and gun control initiatives.
If the city went bankrupt, they would have to sell assets. Someone would buy Belmont harbor and put a hotel on it. The field museum would be converted to a Muslim mosque. You would have to pass through a toll booth to exit at Addison to drive to a cubs game.
Anonymous said...
Illinois will be taxing pensions in the near future.
5/09/2015 12:37:00 AM
This takes a change in the state constitution.
Anonymous said...
Support the teachers and every other union member in this state. We are one. We need to support every one against these one percenters.
5/09/2015 09:46:00 AM
I'll support the teachers... like they supported us. Buying pizzas for the (#Black Lives Matter) protesters last fall. Well I suppose that if they actually could understand basic legal concepts, they'd be teaching in the suburbs!
Anonymous said...
Cops and fire fighter retirees actually came out pretty good in the Detroit bankruptcy. Detroit is a ghost town but enough assets were found to almost fully fund the pensions. Chicago on the other hand has numerous assets that could be sold to shore up all city pensions. Of course for Raccoon Eyes and his fellow conniving politicians there is no benefit for them putting tax dollars into pensions. Handing out bloated contracts brings in donations. This will take a long time to play out. Hope for the best.
5/09/2015 05:13:00 AM
Well, yes you are correct. But, the reason for this was not because of bankruptcy court, but the state appointed administrator, a republican, did not want to plunge the cops and fireman into poverty which would have happened if the he followed federal bankruptcy law which says all creditors will be treated equally. And, pensioners are creditors. The remaining creditors only got 30 cents on the dollar while cops and fireman retirees got 80 cents on the dollar, no medical and no cost of living increases. If Chicago undergoes this process there is no guarantee that we will have such luck. It is all a crap shoot. I fear that it is coming within a few years as our pension fund is bleeding assets at the rate of millions every month. It is state law that the government if not required to provide benefits only the pension funds so no one really knows what will happen if the funds go insolvent.
Anonymous said...
In 2010 if you'll recall there was a proposed amendment to the constitution to change the pension benefits and it missed passing by only 4%. Be ready for it to be brought back on the 2020 ballot and a full onslaught against all greedy government employees boys and girls. I hope the union coalition stays united and sends a clear message going forward including reminding everyone exactly who is to blame for this debacle.
5/09/2015 05:32:00 AM
They don't have to wait until 2020 but can get a constitutional amendment on the ballot in the Fall of 2016 and I would think that a full court press is coming to do just that.
THROW ALL the politicians involved in prison ,., where they belong . That' for starters .
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Does anyone know if this will affect the recent increases in under 55 retiree health care costs??
5/09/2015 09:18:00 AM
That is a separate issue. As soon as the city got a lot of retirees under the 55 and out retirement plan, they have increased the health care premium. You can't even get a straight answer from the city itself. If the past is any guideline then I would surmise that the cost would go up for the health insurance for retirees.
Those of us who are in a position to, and can afford to, move out of state will continue to do so. What you'll be left with is a few suckers, entitlement folks, and all of the rest of you collecting your exorbitant pensions, trying to figure out if and when they'll continue to get funded when the tax base has left.
Have fun! :)
"We are one of the top taxed state citizens in the nation. There are two options"
There are three options. Raise taxes. Obviously if people are willing to live here at the current rates, it MUST be worth it.
Hahahahahahaha!!!
"Not many people noticed 2 or 3 elections ago there was a measure on the ballot to change the state constitution. It was almost a 50 50 split in voting. This was just a test measure to gauge how the public would vote. When people are presented with a tax increase or vot to change pension benefits which do you think they will pick?"
Convening a constitutional convention opens up all kinds of cans of worms; term limits, Chicago residency requirements, etc.
I don't think anyone on either side wants that.
Well let's start by putting a limit on pensions say 90,000. All of the clouted exempts are drawing huge pensions of about 135,00 then they get a second job with their conections. It sure is a start to preserve some money but no one is saying a word.
Where is the silent bitch Dean Angelo. Get Rahms cock out your mouth and speak up for us.
>>>Anonymous said...
Start charging organizations like the catholic church that get Free security like at the cardinals funeral
5/09/2015 01:33:00 AM<<<
Didn't you ever think that at a big public event like that there are a lot of dignitaries and just ordinary taxpayers who paid for an deserve some security.
Lot more ways to save and generate revenue.
States can't declare bankruptcy because they're sovereign entities, like the U.S., but they could technically say "f*ck you, we ain't payin'" to their debtors and default. Of course, no one would buy a bond from them for the next half century or so, which would kind of retard growth.
Cities in our dying state can't declare bankruptcy b/c it's not legal to do so; the legislature needs to pass a law allowing municipal gov'ts to declare bankruptcy.
Watch for the passage of such a law by the end of 2015.
"So what's to stop a state or city from declaring bankruptcy? If the state don't have the money, what else should they do? Force higher property taxes on its residents? (but the US still gives out billions on foreign aid)"
Anonymous said...
We are one of the top taxed state citizens in the nation. There are two options:
1) change illinois constitution
2) federal bankruptcy court where the state constitution does not matter
I prefer #2. Follow the detroit model.
5/09/2015 12:06:00 AM
The Federal Court would definitely make the State Constitution matter. The Supreme Court decides which matters are constitutional and if Rauner/Rahm were unanimously defeated by State Supreme Court that included Alderman Burke's wife, well....
I do worry about the 2020 election, Demo-communists will pull out will the stops to steal that one.
Watch out for privatization of almost all state and city services. The Daley/Vaneko Crime Family will be richer than ever.
Mayor 1% along with his buffoon legal team and other assorted misfits/sycophants are all whistling past the graveyard now that the unconstitutional SB 1922 ( city pension theft law) is likewise DOA. Rahm, how much more taxpayer money are you going to piss away to defend this immoral and illegal law ?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
How will this ruling affect VRI?
5/09/2015 06:58:00 AM
-------------
Tool! You my friend are part of the problem.
You and your 3 years in the job need to wake up and see what's going on with this city and department.
There is really only one answer, and that's a casino.. But the problem is, that idiot mayor we have would raid those funds too. It would have to be strictly supervised by a board he does NOT control
one of 11 states that ask for employee contribution WI the 11th being WI One of the highest level employee contributions none not one of the other states is in the mess we are! Guess The GOV financing Stewart Levin, Ruaner,and Rahms homosexual cocaine fueled trysts took its toll on Illinois. Not to forget Blago and Rezko and Bojombo. Release the all The Blaogo tapes now. SEND these cocksuckers to prision
Go Ahead Mr Politician... Take my pension. You will not like what happens. I guarantee it.
Once the markets crash, that's when the real fun starts. But in order to divert that energy, I believe a staged terrorist attack will be blamed and this time every Arabic citizen will receive the anger.
In the end, the Ruling Class stays in power by dividing and conquering. It's been used in the last and it's being used today.
I agree with everything you just said. I'm glad there are other thinkers out there like you. Not like these clueless obama voters present day.
Anonymous said...
We are one of the top taxed state citizens in the nation. There are two options:
1) change illinois constitution
2) federal bankruptcy court where the state constitution does not matter
I prefer #2. Follow the detroit model.
5/09/2015 12:06:00 AM
Federal bankruptcy court would not have jurisdiction over a state claiming bankruptcy protection. A state has power to issue bonds, theoretically limitless power to raise money. They would be junk bonds but a state cannot file for bankruptcy. A city can, within limits, not a state.
A state may become insolvent but bankruptcy laws do not apply. Illinois would have to go beg from the European Union in line right behind Greece.
Anonymous said...
"Combine this with assorted neighborhood expenditures, crooked contracts and associated overruns, numerous financial debacles (including the No-lympics)..."
..and what they call "unofficial court expenses" in Indonesia.
Not satisfied with 10 years in prison instead of being shot at midnight in some jungle clearing, Heather Mack of Oak Park (not "Chicago") is working to get another $200,000 out of her voluminous trust fund "to pay attorneys for an appeal."
All this type of person...ya gotta love 'em, right?
5/09/2015 12:16:00 AM
More bribe money and some free good lovin' and she be sprung.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Does this means retirees will get regular COLAs instead of every other year or whatever was instituted?
5/09/2015 08:23:00 AM
No.
Whatever is written in pension law is still law.
If you are the police and were born before Jan 1, 1955 you continue or will get the 3% simple interest COLA.
Why do people continue to insist on this blog that Illinois must declare bankruptcy? I thought it has been well established that a state cannot do that. Pay attention in class people.
Anonymous said...
Now we need another big victory!!
Now it is time to support efforts to repeal the H.R. 973 introduced by Rodney Davis (R- IL). “The Social Security Fairness Act of 2015.” This is a complete repeal of both the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
http://www.ssfairness.com
Check out this link and learn more. Please sign the online petition that is available on this site. If we don't act now we will be robbed of thousands of dollars in benefits you paid for if you contributed to Social Security!
5/09/2015 09:40:00 AM
This has been years in the making. I doubt it will pass. May Rostenkowski rot in corrupt politician hell.
***
I know no one on this board wants to believe it, but Rauner is a money guy and he can fix it. Madigan and Cullerton are the problem.
5/09/2015 09:26:00 AM
He's a money guy, eh? Well he better be good at manufacturing the stuff because that is what is needed.
I guess the 5.5 million to the alleged misused convicts that Burge again, allegedly beat would have come in pretty handy to pay what the City owes in pensions.
Or how about the millions that Rahm is putting in for that private Catholic School for a new gym or center or whatever. That money would have come in pretty handy about now.
Now waiting for Rham's water carriers at the sun-times and tribune to grant imbecile attorneys from Meyer Brown law firm an op-ed piece emoting that Chicago's pension theft statute is "entirely different" than the State's pension theft statue. Mayer Brown, that's rich, these are the same clowns who handled Rham's residency case and conducted the background check on Rham's handpicked, convicted felon Comptroller, Amer Ahmad.
"I forsee the casino plans moving ahead quickly."
As long as the city (politicians) is running the casino it will mysteriously lose money every year. Actual profits will be diverted to re-election war chests and heavy weight buddies. The only way our pension fund will see a dime of the casino monies is if they run it themselves.
I see all of Rham and Msall's waterboys and back-benchers are busy with "the sky is falling" bankruptcy talk! Crawl back under your fuckin rock assholes. Your bullshit anti-pension agenda was just ruled on by the highest court in the State of Illinios, and the court told you to go fuck yourselves....collectively, and without lube, right in your stinkhole! Now sit down and shut the fuck up with your denture bumping and fund the pension as the court has ruled. Fuckfards of the highest denomination!
States cannot declare bankruptcy. End of story on that line of fearmongering.
Legalize marijuana. Problem solved.
Why is it of such paramount importance for Rahm & Co. to steal the pensions of Policemen?
Who said it was such a good idea for Rahm and his wine-buddy to pick this fight with first responders?
Anonymous said...
Not many people noticed 2 or 3 elections ago there was a measure on the ballot to change the state constitution. It was almost a 50 50 split in voting. This was just a test measure to gauge how the public would vote. When people are presented with a tax increase or vot to change pension benefits which do you think they will pick?
5/09/2015 12:28:00 AM
The vote, in 2008 was 67.23 NO to 32.77 YES to decide whether or notto convene a constitional convention in 2010.
The next year, by law, that a constitutional convention can be convened is not until 2030.
One, that 2008 vote is hardly the 50/50 split you describe and, two, it was not some sort of "test".
It was a vote as whether to convene a rewrite in 2010.
Best to speak only of that which you have factual knowledge.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
In 2010 if you'll recall there was a proposed amendment to the constitution to change the pension benefits and it missed passing by only 4%. Be ready for it to be brought back on the 2020 ballot and a full onslaught against all greedy government employees boys and girls. I hope the union coalition stays united and sends a clear message going forward including reminding everyone exactly who is to blame for this debacle.
5/09/2015 05:32:00 AM
Absolute Bull Shit!
There was a referendum vote in 2008 as to whether or not to convene a constitional convention in 2010 and it was voted down by 67.3% to 33.77%.
My G_d but I hate the unsubstantiated crap that has become so much a part of the internet.
Oh, and I'm a French model in case you wanted to know.
A constitutional convention is voted on every 20 years. In 2008 it was defeated. During a constitutional convention suggested amendments are voted on. The Illinois constitution is safe until at least 2028.
Anonymous said...
SO.....do retirees get cost of living retro checks???
5/09/2015 06:28:00 AM
No retiree's born before 1955 have missed any simple cola increases and we do not receive retro checks of any kind, unless you are referring to the Korshak agreement medical payment program for being overcharged by the city in the past.
Anonymous said...
from another site:
Remember, when people start to moan and groan about tax increases or cuts in services so that these pensions can be shored up, that it is THOSE SAME CITIZENS that have reaped the benefits of those pension holiday's. The beautification, extra social services, enhancements, freezing taxes that have been made, have been made at our expense.
Guess what? It's time to pay up!!
5/09/2015 07:49:00 AM
That has always been my position. We, the citizens, if you don't count the insider scams, benefitted, one way or another already, from the with held pension payments.
Anonymous said...
Does this means retirees will get regular COLAs instead of every other year or whatever was instituted?
5/09/2015 08:23:00 AM
Nothing was ever instituted. It was a failed law that the State Supreme Court stopped from being instituted.
Why isn't Dick hanging from a lamp pole at Washington and Dearborn, you know, like Mussolini?
Anonymous said...
The term "Pension reform" is actually "Pension theft". Rauner, rham, msall, etc. literally broke the law to try to diminish our benefits.
*************
Just how did Rauner accomplish this? He WASN'T even governor yet. You can cry in your beer all you want, bitch and moan about promises made and not kept. They mishandled the money ALA World Com. But our elected idiots will not go to jail. As long as we vote rino and democrat, the pensions will never be funded. You fucks all hate Walker, but I'll be damned, Wisconsin is on solid footing.
We have to INSIST that the casino money shore up the pension and they DON'T play a shell game like they did with the lottery. They reduced required payments by using lottery funds, they lied and we sent the same thiefs BACK to Springfield. It's our own damn fault, we vote for criminals.
No one ever brings up where the alderman and legislators pensions are funded at. Anyone have any insight?
Several years ago a Labor Attorney was on a television talk news show and was discussing the Illinois Pension Problems. He made a very interesting comet: "There is a way that the city and/or state can get around this pension problem. If the unions can agree with the city/state to reduce retirement benefits then the city/state can reduce the benefits and not have to worry about any court case."! The city has already reduced retirement benefits with several unions. One of the unions that agreed with the city and has had their benefits reduced was the electrical union (the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #9). Ask any retired Local #9 city electrician if he has had his retirement benefits reduced. There answer will be YES. In fact, Rahm has said that he believes the city is on firm ground on reducing some retirement benefits because of these agreements with the unions. It is his belief that the SC ruling does not apply to the city. Now here is what I fear: Dean Angelo, the current FOP President, and the rest of the current leadership of the FOP is no where to be found on many issues facing the CPD. How many times have you seen on SCC members of the department complaining about the total lack of leadership from the FOP. There are too many issues to name here but one has to ask why has he been so silent? I fear that with this present FOP leadership, they will agree with Rahm on a reduced Pension package. The membership of the electrical union opposed their agreement but it went thru anyway. Is Angelo and the rest of the leadership of FOP going to do the same? After the SC decision on pension reform was announced, many union officials were being quoted in the newspapers. What struck me odd was the fact that the FOP and the union representing firemen were not quoted. One would assume that the two biggest union in the City of Chicago and affected the most would be quoted in this news story. Angelo is silent. Is there a reason why Angelo and his crew are not saying anything? I hope I am wrong but if one is to be judged by their actions. Angelo's are very suspicious,
A change to the state constitution, requires 60 % approval. The last time on the ballot, it was defeated 54 % to 46 %. So, it wasn't even close to being approved.
Angelo is silent. Is there a reason why Angelo and his crew are not saying anything? I hope I am wrong but if one is to be judged by their actions. Angelo's are very suspicious,
You are an anonymous Moron, don't know what you are talking about so get on your comet and fly away.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
"Combine this with assorted neighborhood expenditures, crooked contracts and associated overruns, numerous financial debacles (including the No-lympics)..."
..and what they call "unofficial court expenses" in Indonesia.
Not satisfied with 10 years in prison instead of being shot at midnight in some jungle clearing, Heather Mack of Oak Park (not "Chicago") is working to get another $200,000 out of her voluminous trust fund "to pay attorneys for an appeal."
All this type of person...ya gotta love 'em, right?
5/09/2015 12:16:00 AM
I knew the victim/mom back in the early 1990s. She was a wee bit strange. Not that that is a reason to kill her and stuff her in a suitcase...
I fear that with this present FOP leadership, they will agree with Rahm on a reduced Pension package.
Take your meds, I don't think Dean will reduce his or his kids pension benefits.
To: 11:52PM
You hit the nail right square on the head.
What has Deano and the other FOP brass been promised for their silence.
Someone inside should know about this and tip off the Feds so they can tap their phones and investigate them for labor racketeering. If they sell us out then they should spend the rest of their lives in a federal pen.
Why when we have elections in this town doesn't the FOP come out and say that every cop is going to vote, every cop's family member is going to vote, every cop's friend and neighbor is going to vote. WHY?
I think we will see the answer when Deano retires and moves into some cushy high paying low profile spot that the Daley/Vanecko Crime Family has waiting for him.
Rahm wants us to pay 29% of our salary for our pensions talk about ridiculous! To think the city obviously has the money the city just don't want to pay Rahm wants to use that money for that project and to get our money which is our tax there's money to the less fortunate or to the link card holders to people that surround him to do with our money and building worthless project for his friends and family Gee wonder how much is going to Manila envelopes!
Talk about a lengthy thought! You wrote all of that into 1, maybe 2, rambling sentences.
Why don't they use the TIF money to fund your pension? We as citizens do not see it and it keeps building up and for what? Praying for all of you as this world is upside down when we demonize our own forces we put in place to keep us safe. Pro police and proud to say it.
Anonymous said...
A constitutional convention is voted on every 20 years. In 2008 it was defeated. During a constitutional convention suggested amendments are voted on. The Illinois constitution is safe until at least 2028.
5/09/2015 10:16:00 PM
You are misguided and ill informed.An amendment can be put to voters and then to the general assembly in November 2016.
Anonymous said...
Those of us who are in a position to, and can afford to, move out of state will continue to do so. What you'll be left with is a few suckers, entitlement folks, and all of the rest of you collecting your exorbitant pensions, trying to figure out if and when they'll continue to get funded when the tax base has left. Have fun! :)
In answer to above.
I'm a retired Chicago Police Officer. I came on the Job in 1972. You were probably not even born yet.
I chose to be a Chicago Police officer and the City chose to hire me. At this time the City made certain promises to me.A pension for life and medical coverage for life. The City kept it's promise for many years until recently.
It was discovered that even though I made my agreed upon contribution every pay day,the City in later years did not.If they had,as required there would be no so called pension crisis.
In my 31 years of service I had to go into places and confront armed suspects you would be afraid to even look at a picture of.
You were probably in college smoking dope and drinking, and in general wasting daddies money.
I could have chosen a different path.
My father owned a restaurant he wanted me to take over. I could have made a hell of a lot more money and gone home safe every night.
I loved the path I chose and do not regret my decision for a minute. All I expect is to receive what I was promised.
So don't you dare tell me about my "exorbitant pension". I earned it and payed my share.
Anonymous,if you would care to meet for coffee and discuss this matter further, in person,I would be more than happy to.
9/2015 03:18:00 PM
You can only file bankruptcy when you cannot pay your bills, not when you refuse to.
Rahm's already spouting that his pension reforms are different and would pass constitutional muster because his were "negotiated" with the unions.
----
Your right about Rahm trying. You can not "negotiate" away a constitutional right! Back to the drawing board Rahm, you asshole!
In 2010 if you'll recall there was a proposed amendment to the constitution to change the pension benefits and it missed passing by only 4%. Be ready for it to be brought back on the 2020 ballot and a full onslaught against all greedy government employees boys and girls. I hope the union coalition stays united and sends a clear message going forward including reminding everyone exactly who is to blame for this debacle.
5/09/2015 05:32:00 AM
They don't have to wait until 2020 but can get a constitutional amendment on the ballot in the Fall of 2016 and I would think that a full court press is coming to do just that
You are correct about the possibility of an amendment in 2016. There are two problems with that. Number one is it takes 2/3 vote to pass and both the Illinois house and senate are controlled by the democrats that traditionally support the unions, so passage is unlikely. Second, if an amendment was passed it would have legal problems. As legal experts stated in the paper today "The amendment essentially would be for the expressed purpose of reneging on old promises to wipe out old debts,a motive that could run into serious constitutional trouble in the federal courts" The Illinois supreme court has forcibly and unanimously spoken that our benefits cannot be diminished Period. There will be no end runs. The court has spoken and if the legislature tries something like that they will end up being before the federal courts and the Illinois supreme court who have made their intentions very clear. Rauner will lose again. SB 3538 which makes our pension solvent in like 25 years is the only way to go. The crisis can't be solved overnight. The only thing we have to be aware of is don't be scared into agreeing to an increase in employee contributions or pension reductions as an answer that the union would try to get us to agree to. Thats not the answer as the politicians would only renege on their contributions. Finally the article brought out a good point that Rauner and the legislature did not want to increase the state income tax which they legally can do to help with the pension problem. They don't want to political pressure from that but want you to sacrifice. We won a big one, lets stick with it
Rumor has it that McCormick Place and it's adjacent buildings are being wired for, what appears to be, a massive influx of gaming devices.....
Seems the program all along has been to get the pension mess sorted out by slashing it to the bone, THEN put in all the casinos, taking away all that big $$$$$ from Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin.....already the state is reaping millions in from the video machines they have put in around the state....then all that cash goes right to the politicos to do with what they want....but seems like they are going to be watched very closely now.....
I commend the Illinois Supreme Court for their courageous response.....a unanimous response, no less....rightly placing blame where it belongs...so now we watch and wait.....
Since the Feds have taken away most of our EARNED Social Security benefits, thank you very much Mr Rostenkowki, you thief, I will bet the Rammer will do is to try the same thing.....we must stand United...CPD, CFD, all.....Let him give up his TIF funds to fund our pension.....let the politicians cut their pensions.....Stay strong, stay safe, stay united, my brothers and sisters....
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
A constitutional convention is voted on every 20 years. In 2008 it was defeated. During a constitutional convention suggested amendments are voted on. The Illinois constitution is safe until at least 2028.
5/09/2015 10:16:00 PM
You are misguided and ill informed.An amendment can be put to voters and then to the general assembly in November 2016.
5/10/2015 08:06:00 AM
A constitional convention can only be convened every 20 years [1970 is when current constitution was enacted] and can only be done if a vote to covene one is voted on prior with a yes vote of 60% or more.
Then, all aspects of the constition are open for revision.
An ammendment can be added by vote to to add rights but cannot take away rights already granted in the current constitution.
I hope this clears the legal air for both of you.
Notice that I kept this explanation on a civil note.
Cut Welfare, NOT Pensions
Illinois will be taxing pensions in the near future.
5/09/2015 12:37:00 AM
Tax Welfare Recipients, NOT Pensioneers.
The Supreme Court accurately, and succinctly, put the blame squarely where it belongs : the General Asssembly( aka thieving politicians).
Now it's time for them to grow a pair, accept responsibility and start the fixing process.
If you think Rauner is going to help save the Police and Fire pensions you're crazy! He could careless about any working family in this state and is trying to push his agenda of right to work so all the big time CEOs and big money backers can make more money, while hard working people in this state get shafted!!
If you think any Democrat (Communist) Politician is going to do anything to save Police and Fire Pensions, YOU'RE Crazy. They only fight to save Welfare Entitlements, and the Pensions of the Double-Dipping Union Officials they get big kickbacks from.
Hopefully Dean and his stooges aren't stupid enough to entertain negotiating pension reductions with Rahm.
Almost every expert quoted in Sunday's Trib and Times basically said the employees, their unions etc. clearly have the upper hand in this. They also say Rahm is basically pissing in the wind by attempting to keep pursuing his "reform" aka theft and reduction.
If you think Rauner is going to help save the Police and Fire pensions you're crazy! He could careless about any working family in this state and is trying to push his agenda of right to work so all the big time CEOs and big money backers can make more money, while hard working people in this state get shafted!!
If you think any Democrat (Communist) Politician is going to do anything to save Police and Fire Pensions, YOU'RE Crazy. They only fight to save Welfare Entitlements, and the Pensions of the Double-Dipping Union Officials they get big kickbacks from.
Don't you remember the Destroyers of public Employee Social Security and Pensions,
Dan Rostenkowski and Richie Daley ?
See that crack head driving that new Escalade ? His pockets are filled with your pension and Social Security dollars. He never worked a Day in his Life for it. You Did. Figure it out, Einstein.
Why isn't Dick hanging from a lamp pole at Washington and Dearborn, you know, like Mussolini?
5/09/2015 11:05:00 PM
Mussolini was lynched at Balbo and Columbus.
Sterilize all Convicted Felons convicted of violent or sex molestation crimes. End of many numerous problems within one to two generations or less. No brainer. Sterilize all Democrat Politicians (Communist) too.
Why don't they use the TIF money to fund your pension? We as citizens do not see it and it keeps building up and for what? Praying for all of you as this world is upside down when we demonize our own forces we put in place to keep us safe. Pro police and proud to say it.
5/10/2015 07:39:00 AM
Rahm, like King Ritchie before him, consider those TIF's sanctimonious and untouchable.
In fact they use them like huge slush funds.
Those TIF's are funded directly from our taxes.
There oughta be a huge public outcry to try and force Rahm to free up our tax dollars tied up in TIF's and help out the pensions before Rahm sticks his slimy hand out for increased taxes.
Let the city show us go bankrupt, then the forensic audit comes, all city assets are viable for sale! City hall art work, Maggie Daley park everything that is sellable to pay debtors is sold! Detroit did it and bravo police got paid first, after a court case is decided it sets a precedent in others so our lawyers would use Detroits example and then during the audit the crime committed would be discovered on to jail with how many elected? Could be the best thing ever for us!
Sgt. Vic Scimeca retired C.P.D. said...
Anonymous said...
Those of us who are in a position to, and can afford to, move out of state will continue to do so. What you'll be left with is a few suckers, entitlement folks, and all of the rest of you collecting your exorbitant pensions, trying to figure out if and when they'll continue to get funded when the tax base has left. Have fun! :)
In answer to above.
I'm a retired Chicago Police Officer. I came on the Job in 1972. You were probably not even born yet.
I chose to be a Chicago Police officer and the City chose to hire me. At this time the City made certain promises to me.A pension for life and medical coverage for life. The City kept it's promise for many years until recently.
It was discovered that even though I made my agreed upon contribution every pay day,the City in later years did not.If they had,as required there would be no so called pension crisis.
In my 31 years of service I had to go into places and confront armed suspects you would be afraid to even look at a picture of
---
Hey Vic, how are you doing, old cement head. I still remember one of the early Bulls Championships and all the knuckleheads climbing on mailboxes, light poles and the like, anything they could climb on. Until you showed up and like magic they started flying off those mailboxes and light poles. It took about a minute to clear a corner, next please. Now I get the pension too. Take care.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
A change to the state constitution, requires 60 % approval. The last time on the ballot, it was defeated 54 % to 46 %. So, it wasn't even close to being approved.
5/10/2015 12:22:00 AM
That was a proposal for a Constitutional Convention, I believe. A Con-Con. The last Con-Con is when they inserted the language that protects our pension. I believe the next time it might be on the ballot is 2028. We are safe until at least then. Rahm and Rauner will be retired drinking expensive wine. I hope Rauner still has his $18 watch then.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why isn't Dick hanging from a lamp pole at Washington and Dearborn, you know, like Mussolini?
5/09/2015 11:05:00 PM
Mussolini was lynched at Balbo and Columbus.
5/10/2015 02:43:00 PM
Har-Dee-Har-Har!!
XD
To the 5-10-15, 105 AM and the 5-10-15, 106 AM posting I am the moron you mentioned in post 5-9-15, 1152 PM. So you know, I took my meds and I got on my comet and I flew away. I am in a land far, far away. While I was on my comet and traveling thru space I read the article in the Chicago Tribune dated May 10,2015. Specifically, page 15, 3rd column, 2nd paragraph for the bottom of the page. Quoting from the article: The major will likely be sitting across the table from police and fire union leaders who members are in no mood to give in. Depending on what they want to do it certainly seems likely (union leaders) will be hearing from members who don't see a need to make concessions" Key word here is concessions. The members DO NOT WANT THE FOP TO MAKE ANY CONCESSIONS! Now lets move to the same page, 4th column, 1st paragraph. Dean Angelo, president of Fraternal Order of Police Union Local 7, issued a statement saying he wasn't surprised by the court decision but did not respond to questions about what impact the ruling would have on negotiations. Doesn't the President of the FOP have ANY THOUGHTS ON THE SC RULING regarding future negotiations? How is this for one. the SC has ruled that our pensions CAN NOT BE REDUCED! I got a question for both of you. Why didn't you give your names? The two of you signed off as anonymous. Why? Did my post make the two of you uncomfortable? See I have an excuse, I am a moron, what is your excuse?????????????????
Hey Vic, how are you doing, old cement head. I still remember one of the early Bulls Championships and all the knuckleheads climbing on mailboxes, light poles and the like, anything they could climb on. Until you showed up and like magic they started flying off those mailboxes and light poles. It took about a minute to clear a corner, next please. Now I get the pension too.
Take care.
Cement Head. That was a nickname well earned. I could be a bit on the stubborn side.
Bulls fest,they were interesting. You felt like General Custer at the little big horn. The first fest we just got some of the players wives and some politicians behind our line. We saw the large hedges part and the mongrels come pouring through. That was a fourteen hour day.One of the players wives invited us to a after fest party and no one had the energy to go.
After enduring days like this. I think our pensions were well earned.
I don't think Raccoon eyes has ever put in fourteen hours straight in a week.
He wouldn't last a day as a P.O. on the street.And he has the nerve to try and take away what we earned with our sweat and blood.
Seeing what some of these politicians did to our pension fund,we should have left them to get trampled.
As to the writer of this thread. I appreciate the compliment,and glad to hear you made it to retirement,but I'm going need a hint as to your identity.
5/10/2015 10:37:00 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
To: 11:52PM
You hit the nail right square on the head.
What has Deano and the other FOP brass been promised for their silence.
Someone inside should know about this and tip off the Feds so they can tap their phones and investigate them for labor racketeering. If they sell us out then they should spend the rest of their lives in a federal pen.
Why when we have elections in this town doesn't the FOP come out and say that every cop is going to vote, every cop's family member is going to vote, every cop's friend and neighbor is going to vote. WHY?
I think we will see the answer when Deano retires and moves into some cushy high paying low profile spot that the Daley/Vanecko Crime Family has waiting for him.
5/10/2015 02:41:00 AM
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Let us not forget that ONLY ONE TRUSTEE ENDOSED RAHM AND THAT WAS MARK DONAHUE!!!
Donahue forgave the city 35 million and let them skip that pension payment!!!
Donahue’s hand picked replacement for Shields - Billy Doughtery - was quoted in the news paper as saying that Obamacare was a good option for retirees!!!
Donahue, Dougherty, and then state president Ted Street a personally endorsed Obama!!!
I’ll take Dean and his crew 7 days a week before ever vote for anyone from the shitty-wide team again!!!
P.S. Dean and his upstairs crew all voluntarily took 30K pay cuts. When they tried to make that part of the by-laws who voted against it at the general meeting? THE SHITTY-WIDE TEAM!!!
Why might you ask? Because they plan a comeback!
So take any negative posting here with a grain of salt.
And the Trib is right baby. This is going to become a ghost state. This city and State are finished. We might not see it, but our kids sure will. Thank all of the crooks that have run this city and state for the last fifty years. They stole from the poor stiff going to work everyday to make guys like Rahm and Rauner multi-millionaires. Even poor George Ryan is broke because he didn't have enough brains to steal big time. So long Chicago. It was once a great city.
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