Amanda Kass of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability in Chicago addressed a CFA public forum on SURS on April 24th. She outlined the historical background of the present pensions crisis, provided a wealth of data to demonstrate how state workers are being penalized for the failure of the state to honor its obligations to the pension system and outlined the recent revisions suggested by Governor Quinn. In addition, she suggested that the only solution is a graduated income tax which would target the wealthiest 6% and an extension of the sales tax categories. We of CFA would also add ithat in order for any resolution to the pensions crises to serve the interests of academic faculty we need a union with collective bargaining rights which can advocate for our interests at the bargaining table and in the state legislature.
If you have an interest in learning more about the pensions issue we suggest you download Amanda’s slides from her UIUC presentation (below) or link to her project’s website at: http://www.ilretirementsecurity.org/
amanda kass slide show 4-25-12
Amanda also presented two maps which compare Illinois’ sales tax categories and income tax rates with those of other states. You can also download these: