State worker urges Supreme Court to throw out pension law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A woman who's worked for the state for 15 years says her life savings is at stake as the Illinois Supreme Court considers whether to throw out a landmark pension overhaul.

Gwen Harrison is a state librarian from Springfield and a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state filed by public workers and retirees. They argue the 2013 law violates the state constitution because it reduces benefits promised by the state.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Wednesday.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Harrison says that for years, workers made their contributions to their retirement funds while the state did not.

The 53-year-old says public employees and retirees shouldn't be punished because of lawmakers' failings.

The law's supporters say it's needed to address Illinois' worst-in-the-nation pension debt.