2010 Characteristics of Large Public Education Pension Plans

A comprehensive assessment of public retirement systems for educators done by the National Education Association.

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Changes coming to state retiree insurance

April 29, 2013

More changes coming to health insurance for public employee retirees in Illinois.

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The Retirement Gamble

April 29, 2013

Frontline documentary about fees associated with 401(k) investments, and the impact such fees have on retirement security.

Press Release
Illinois Budget Calculator

April 22, 2013

The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA), the Institute for Work and the Economy (IWE), Crain's Chicago Business, and The Kineo Group have developed an interactive online Illinois Budget Calculator that puts the entire Illinois General Fund -- which represents more than 50 percent of the state budget -- in the "virtual" hands of the public.

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CTBA's Education Summit: Reframing Reform-Achieving Equity and Excellence in Public Education

April 1, 2013

On April 15, 2013, CTBA will be hosting an Education Summit in Illinois. The purpose is to have a national conversation on reforms to ensure all children receive meaningful educational opportunity.

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Senate committee approves 2 pension proposals

March 14, 2013

Senate Bills 1 and 35 were approved by the Senate Executive Committee on March 13, 2013.

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AFSCME contract proposal includes schedule for health premiums

March 5, 2013

Health insurance premium rates for public worker retirees have been set as part of AFSCME's contract proposal.

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Education, Social Services At Risk Due To Lawmakers' Refusal To Truly Address Illinois Pension Crisis

March 1, 2013

An article featuring Amanda Kass, Research and Policy Specialist for the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.

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Deal with sergeants union might offer solution to pension crisis

February 21, 2013

This article is about the Chicago Police Pension System

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Analysis & Reports

Illinois Public Employee Retirement Systems

Get the facts on the five state-funded retirement systems. Who gets a public pension, and what do they get?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are some calling for Illinois to switch from a defined benefit to defined contribution system?

A. As of 2011, Illinois faces an unfunded pension liability that exceeds $80 billion, one of the largest in the nation. Calls have been made to switch Illinois from its current defined benefit system to a defined contribution system due to misunderstandings regarding the sources of this large debt and the effects of a system switch.

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Q. What is the average pension for a public employee in Illinois?

A. Based on Census Bureau data, the 2009 national average pension benefit for state and local employees was approximately $23,400 per year, and the Illinois average public pension benefit was approximately $27,400 per year.