Let's talk common sense on pensions, taxes

Graduated tax rate to "fix" the Illinois deficit? I think not. We, here in Illinois, are overtaxed already. How about we stop spending more than we "make?" Basic budgeting and accounting principles. Let's start with the government officials, especially elected officials, who collect a pension, sometimes more than one. Let's amend the state constitution. If you are receiving a state/public-funded pension (not teachers or first responders) you can only receive one, not multiple public funded ones. Pick one, that's it. If they have a public and private pension, well good for them.

How about "vesting?" For privately funded pensions, you must work a certain number of years to vest into a pension. I propose seven years. Why seven? If you are not re-elected, you can't qualify. I would really like to suggest we do away with pensions moving forward.

Need to save to retirement? Welcome to the 401(k) age. Guess you will need get a job that pays Social Security so you can collect that too.

Health Insurance? Try that ACA you say is so great. See if your doctors are part of it.

Let's bring common sense back to Illinois.

Cathy Castiglione

Mundelein