By IL Public Radio, KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – A long-time early retirement perk for teachers in downstate Illinois has been halted.
The state has for the past quarter-century paid the pensions of teachers who retire early as a way to help local districts save money.
But House Speaker Mike Madigan said the state doesn't have the money to keep the so-called early retirement option going.
Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) says there should have at least been a discussion on the matter because it now leaves some teachers unsure about their future.
"I know how hard they work, and in many of the state how little money they make," Black said Tuesday. "We just turned our back on them and said, 'Of course you're our number one priority, but we'll discuss your pension later.'"
Black says he'll push for the pensions this Spring.