Senator had reason for missed pension vote

I have consistently fought for substantial pension reform since the day I took office. It has been my No. 1 priority, which is reflected in my voting record.

Today, without a doubt, Illinois’ grossly overburdened pension system is the greatest threat to the financial health of our state.

Late in the day on May 30, the Senate president called an amended version of Senate Bill 1 (Speaker Mike Madigan’s pension reform bill) for a vote. I have voted for a similar bill in the past, SB35, and have always supported genuine pension reform measures like this one.

The Daily Herald reported that I did not cast a vote on SB 1, however no explanation was given. I didn’t cast a vote on the bill, because I was absent that evening attending my oldest daughter’s high school graduation. I left the Senate chamber late afternoon, drove home to attend her graduation, and then immediately drove back to Springfield. The bill was called, unannounced, and I missed the vote.

I had no way of knowing ahead of time a vote was going to be taken on the measure that evening. Either way, I would not have missed my daughter’s high school graduation.

As always, I remain strongly committed to meaningful pension reform which will help put Illinois on the path to a stable financial future.

Sen. Dan Duffy

Barrington