Don’t mess with teacher pensions

I am writing in support of teachers both past and present. Pensions should not be touched. Teachers have paid into their pension for years only to watch the state of Illinois take from this fund but not put back.

Governors, state legislators and special interests have spent beyond the state’s means in order to win elections and curry favor. Now, the state of Illinois wants teachers to take a hit for its lack of fiscal responsibility.

Most of the TRS fund is funded by teacher contributions and investment returns, not from taxpayer dollars or state funding, as the media frequently misrepresents. Thus, teachers should not be the individuals to be punished for the lack of responsible governing, Democrat and Republican, from our elected officials.

A solution needs to be found without cutting pensions for responsible, taxpaying, hardworking teachers who with trust paid their share into a fund they were promised would be there when their retirement came.

It is extremely unethical to consider the cuts or changing the Illinois Constitution. This is not the same type of fund as a 401(k) or other retirement funding. Teachers have no choice but to pay into this fund while other retirement options are just that — optional. Comparing the two is apples and oranges.

Matt Hahn

Social Studies Department

Head Baseball Coach

Geneva High School