http://achicagoblog.blogivists.com/2006/12/07/transforming-illinois-by-soaking-taxpayers/ Living and breathing in the Second City Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:55:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 http://achicagoblog.blogivists.com/2006/12/07/transforming-illinois-by-soaking-taxpayers/#comment-11 Daniel Messick Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:46:48 +0000 http://achicagoblog.blogivists.com/2006/12/07/transforming-illinois-by-soaking-taxpayers/#comment-11 Underfunded pensions? How about addressing the fact that the pension system in Illinois is among the most generous in the country? While the private sector is increasingly dismantling pensions, if not outright doing away with them, the public is getting hosed by Illinois government. How much is former Cook County President Bobbie Steele going to receive per year in pension? In the neighborhood of $100K + for keeping Urkel Stroger's seat warm a few months? Why is the answer to any budgetary shortfalls we have to "increase taxes...now or down the road." How about tightening the belt, and CUTTING wasteful programs? Underfunded pensions? How about addressing the fact that the pension system in Illinois is among the most generous in the country? While the private sector is increasingly dismantling pensions, if not outright doing away with them, the public is getting hosed by Illinois government. How much is former Cook County President Bobbie Steele going to receive per year in pension? In the neighborhood of $100K + for keeping Urkel Stroger’s seat warm a few months? Why is the answer to any budgetary shortfalls we have to “increase taxes…now or down the road.” How about tightening the belt, and CUTTING wasteful programs?

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