Rita Novak
Fox News: A Cook County judge has thrown out a 2014 law aimed at reducing multibillion-dollar shortfalls in two Chicago pension funds.
Judge Rita Novak said Friday the law is unconstitutional.
The overhaul sought to eliminate a $9.4 billion unfunded pension liability by cutting benefits and increasing contributions. It would affect about 61,000 city employees and retirees.
Workers, retirees and labor unions sued, saying the Illinois Constitution protects retirement benefits. Novak agreed, citing an Illinois Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that said similar changes to state pension funds were unconstitutional.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said without the overhaul pension funds will become insolvent. City officials also have said residents will likely see huge tax increases without pension reform.
Chicago has the worst-funded pension systems of any major U.S. city.
See also:
- Illinois justices overturn state’s landmark 2013 pension law
- Most public pensions may run out of money in 30 years
- Trouble In Public Pension System
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