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State Amendment Would Require Three-Fifths Majority To Enhance State Employee Benefits

As voters head out to vote this Tuesday, there is a question on the ballot people across Illinois will be voting on.

The referendum question on each ballot this Tuesday deals with an amendment to increase state employee pension benefits. State Representative Chapin Rose says the proposed amendment is very long, and very confusing. He explains the basic premise of the proposal is to require a three-fifths majority to increase state employee pension benefits.

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On top of the language being already confusing to the general public, there are becoming two schools of thought on how this would be implemented. Rep. Rose says one retired University of Illinois Law Professor says this could change current retirees benefits, while the state's employees union says this will only effect future retirees. Rep. Rose notes the idea of it is to be prospective.

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Rep. Rose feels this whole pension situation has sprouted because of several past problems within the state. He explains it's a very precarious situation because ofthe current state of Illinois' pension system, and now advocates against the amendment don't want it passed because they want their employees to have their benefits increased.

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Rep. Rose says the wording on this amendment could have been clearer, but he feels in short, this amendment is a way to handcuff the legislator.

Rep. Rose adds he would like to see an amendment where the state would be required to make all their pension payments, and not skip any. He also feels this amendment could be a good thing for Illinois.

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