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Governor launches pension reform campaign

November 19, 2012

THANKS IN ADVANCE! in a comic strip word bubbleFlanked by children yelling “Thanks in Advance” through red megaphones, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled a campaign Sunday, Nov. 18, to call attention to the state’s pension funding problems.

Quinn said in a press release, “Children have a critical stake in pension reform and that’s why we are here today calling Illinois citizens to action. If the General Assembly passes comprehensive reform, we will ease the squeeze on essential services, restore fiscal stability to our state and protect the future of the next generation. Illinois’ children have a message for us: Thanks in advance for rising above politics and getting the job done.”

Among the elements is the launch of a new website, www.thisismyillinois.com, which states three goals:

1)      Halt the increasing pension pressure on the budget and its far-reaching effects NOW…

2)      Ensure retirement security for our teachers and others

3)      Secure the Illinois that we want for our kids and grandkids and future generations

While the website does not make specific proposals, it does provide profiles of the five public pension systems in the State of Illinois, gives estimates as to the funding level of the state’s pension systems historical information, provides terminology used in the pension discussion and suggests ways for the public to get involved.

Additionally, the site contains links to share the campaign’s page through Facebook, Twitter and email. It also contains a video and link to the ThisismyIllinois YouTube channel.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the “Thanks in Advance” campaign aims to build public awareness about the need for legislative action on pension reform in Springfield and empower citizens to make their voices heard. Veto session begins Nov. 27, and the legislature is scheduled to work Jan. 3 to 8.