Working for Illinois Caucus

Oswego-Aurora Democratic State Representative Stephanie Kifowit says with House members sending bills to the Senate for their approval, senators are sending bills through to the House for approval as well. Those bills are making their way through various committees before they can be delivered to the House floor for debate and potential approval.

Kifowit says being on two pension-related committees, there is work to be done on fixing some of the current issues with the Tier 2 pension system to remain in compliance with federal laws.

"Also, I’m on two pension committees and working to get a fiscally responsible and respectful fix to the tier two pension situation we find ourselves in. As I’ve said before, to various outlets, maybe even this one, our pension system is a Social Security replacement plan. It is in place to replace Social Security, so those that get a state pension do not receive Social Security. And so there are certain thresholds that we have to maintain federally for it to continue to be a Social Security replacement plan."

Kifowit says it is important to find a fiscally responsible solution to secure pension program federal compliance and ensure state employees have access to their retirement funds. The spring session is set to end on May 31.