Update: President Easter’s massmail explains the vicious pension-cutting proposals on the table in Springfield. He cannot ask you to lobby your legislators. But the Campus Faculty Association is your independent voice as a faculty member and we are working with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to make your voice heard in Springfield. Please call today to 888-412-6570 from your personal phone and follow the prompts, or send a message to your legislators, telling them you oppose any pension-cutting bills.
Original article follows:
Pension-gutting mega-bills being considered by lawmakers in Springfield might be voted on as early as December 3. They could slash cost of living adjustments, raise the retirement age, and disregard your future salary increases above the Social Security earnings limit. Current and future retirees would be affected. These changes take away benefits for which you already paid and on which you relied when you accepted the offer to work at this University.
The legislators who want to raid pensions are counting on your fatigue. But our partners at the Illinois Federation of Teachers are organizing a major pushback.
Now, more than ever, we ask you to take action.
On Monday and Tuesday this week (November 25-26) and the following week (December 2-3), please take 5 minutes to call 888-412-6570 from your personal non-university phone and follow the prompts to speak with your State Representative and Senator. Tell them to vote “NO” on any legislation cutting retirement benefits.
Or send a message to your lawmakers NOW.
We have fought to protect pensions for years, but in the end it comes down to faculty like you taking action. Please commit a few minutes to call or email your representatives in Springfield!
Sincerely,
Harriet Murav, President
on behalf of the Campus Faculty Association (CFA) Organizing Committee
Illinois Constitution
SECTION 5. PENSION AND RETIREMENT RIGHTS
Membership in any pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.
Campus Faculty Association 