No wonder we're a laughingstock

No wonder we're a laughingstock

Let me see if I understand this.

It is unconstitutional for the state of Illinois to require its employees to increase the amount they pay toward their pensions. And it is also unconstitutional for the state to require state retirees from paying any part of their pension receipts toward health insurance. Yet, it is constitutional for the state of Illinois to be broke, bankrupt and the laughingstock of the nation. No wonder Illinois is in such horrible financial shape, with laws like that.

As a retired federal employee, I pay more than $300 per month in health benefits premiums, and I do not consider it unreasonable to do so. Retired feds who are not on Medicare likely choose a plan that costs more and has even higher premiums. If it is not unconstitutional for federal employees to pay part of their health insurance, why is it against the law for state of Illinois employees to do the same?

Again, no wonder Illinois is broke, bankrupt and the laughingstock of the nation.

Gary Koca

Pingree Grove