It’s time the peasants revolt

I want to assure the citizens of Illinois that the loyalty of our legislators is not for sale. It was bought and paid for years ago by the teachers and public workers unions many years ago. Their constitutionally protected pension plan is virtually unfunded because of years of mismanagement. The gang in Springfield wants to fix the problem by shifting the funding to the local school districts. Hey, guys, that’s us! Our property taxes will increase drastically. Now a good portion of my meager Social Security check will be used to fund the more than generous pensions of teachers and public workers.

In the past there have been changes to the state Constitution. Perhaps we need another one to fix the problem. Unfortunately that won’t happen. Propositions for changes originate in the legislature and, given their loyalties, will never happen.

The people involved claim their pensions are larger than yours and mine because they contribute more. Not true. Simple math will show that our contributions to Social Security when added to the mandatory employer contributions exceeds their contributions. It is also worth noting that to achieve the same level of medical care they receive we must carry private insurance at a significant cost. It is quite obvious that we have yet another special class of citizens, again at our expense.

I’m sure there will be comments, particularly from teachers, that they have spent years dedicated loving and nurturing our children and deserve every penny they get. Where is the dedication when thousands of teachers take paid time off to attend protest rallies?

It’s about time the taxpayers get together and start protesting. In an old Wizard of Id cartoon, the wizard rushes to the ruler and exclaims, “Sire! (Madigan), the peasants are revolting”. He comments, “Yes, they certainly are.”

Ken Kitzing

Mount Prospect