Pension system breeds excess

Most of us are fully aware that many government employees do not collect Social Security. However many do. Every government employee who chooses to work in the private sector or is forced to retire because of age requirements can earn enough credits to collect Social Security and government pensions.

Those who work in the private sector pay toward their Social Security along with contributions from their employer or both employees and employers pay also into government pension plans by taxes.

Social Security pays a fraction of the amount that pension employees receive. Those who can collect Social Security have limits as to the amount allowed no matter what their wages were.

The argument seems to be that private business pays higher wages. It seems to me the government should be more competitive in salaries when people are working instead of paying nearly full salaries to those who are retired and not earning them.

If the pension plan is the reason for employment and a reduction in wages is accepted for benefits, the taxpayer will be paying far more since people are living longer.

It doesn’t make any sense to me when a government employee retires and needs to be replaced the funding to support one position is nearly double.

No wonder the state of Illinois is broke and so many employees have lost their jobs.

The pensions exceeding six figures needs to be cut back. Those who earned the highest incomes more than likely invested and will receive more than just their pension anyway.

For those who are receiving these excessive pensions and whose efforts were remarkable, name a street or building after them. Their name recognition will last longer than their lifetime and it will cost a lot less as a reward for service.

Arlene Lukas

Arlington Heights