Illinois Governor Launches Pension Reform Drive

Sets up website explaining how state employee pension debts are squeezing out other spending

The state's public workers' pension squeeze is now the subject of a website established by the governor and aimed at the public.

Gov. Pat Quinn says stalling has gone on long enough. He thinks legislative leaders don't need convincing that pensions are a crucial matter for state government.

The administration has set up a website, www.ThisIsMyIllinois.com, which explains the issue. The gist of it is that long-neglected pension funds now demand such large contributions from taxpayers each year that everything else is getting squeezed out. For example, in 2008, pension payments consumed 6 percent of the state budget; in the current year, pensions will consume 16 percent of the budget.