The problem with Illinois is that the pension programs are protected by the State Constitution. Article XIII, Section 5 of the Illinois State Constitution reads:
SECTION 5. PENSION AND RETIREMENT RIGHTS
Membership in any pension or retirement system of the
State, any unit of local government or school district, or
any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an
enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which
shall not be diminished or impaired.
“The problem with Illinois is that the pension programs are protected by the State Constitution.”
Indeed, that is a problem. How in blazes were the people of Illinois stupid enough to okay that amendment? Only a repeal amendment can fix this.