Illinois State House Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) on the House floor
Illinois State House Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) on the House floor
State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) says pension-reform legislation he introduced could save Illinois taxpayers millions.
Passed in 2018, the law created a program that Batinick estimates could save residents somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 million annually. According to NPR, the program centers on the state offering pension buyouts to some state employees, who are reported to be entering into the program at a higher rate than what was anticipated.
“Folks, this is why you sent me to Springfield,” he wrote in a recent post he made to Facebook. “This is my concept that took three years to become law.”
Batinick added he plans to file at least two more budget proposals this term he is hopeful will make things easier on taxpayers.
“Way to go Rep. Mark Batinick,” state Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) commented on Facebook. “It is good for the state employee because they can own their own money and make long-term decisions with their money if they choose. It is good for taxpayers because it reduces pension costs. It is good for our credit rating because it reduces our pension liability. Win, Win, Win.”
Jessica Handy, government affairs director at Stand for Children Illinois, added in the comments section, "I love it when people are solutions-oriented instead of just lamenting how bad things have gotten. Great job."
NPR adds Illinois continues to have among the greatest levels of unfunded pension liabilities in the nation.
Alerts Sign-up