LAWMAKERS IN THE ILLINOIS HOUSE ARE WORKING ON A BILL THAT WOULD END FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR STATE AND UNIVERSITY RETIREES.

THE MEASURE PASSED A HOUSE COMMITTEE…LETTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES DECIDE HOW MUCH, IF ANY THE STATE HAS TO SPEND ON RETIREE INSURANCE. RIGHT NOW…THOSE WHO WORK 20 YEARS OR LONGER DON’T PAY A MONTHLY PREMIUM FOR THEIR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.

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HOUSE MINORITY LEADER TOM CROSS SAYS WITH THE CURRENT BUDGET CRISIS…THEY NEED TO CONSIDER DOING AWAY WITH OR LIMITING THE FREEBIE.

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THE MEASURE IS SEEN AS A BARGAINING CHIP IN THE TENSE NEGOTIATIONS OVER GOVERNMENT WORKER AND TEACHER PENSIONS. THE STATE’S PENSION SYSTEMS ARE SERIOUSLY UNDERFUNDED AND MOST EVERYONE AGREES SOME TYPE OF REFORMS ARE NECESSARY.