Pritzker: Chicago mayor ‘never once called’ to oppose pension bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson never called him to oppose a pension bill expected to raise the city’s unfunded pension liabilities.

The governor signed House Bill 3657 last Friday to enhance Tier 2 pension benefits for police and fire retirees. City officials estimate that HB 3657 will add more than $11.6 billion to the city’s $36.5 billion in net pension liabilities.

The mayor said that his administration worked on a stronger pathway over the last couple of years.

“Now look, my team has spoken extensively with the General Assembly and with the Governor’s office about this obligation. Look, I get the position that the governor was in. This was a veto-proof majority. He was in a tough position. I understand that. I’m going to continue to work with the governor around ways in which we can generate the revenue to respond to pensions, transportation, education,” Johnson said.

Pritzker was asked about the issue Wednesday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

“The mayor never once called me or as far as I know any legislators to oppose that bill or to ask for any changes in that bill,” Pritzker said.

According to S&P Global Ratings, the prognosis for Chicago’s long-term fiscal health weakened when Pritzker signed the measure.

“Oh, after it passed I know that some of the members of his administration have said, so I really don’t know that the mayor himself opposes it. What I know is that we have helped the Chicago police get fairness in their contract,” the governor said.

HB 3657 was sponsored and co-sponsored by several Chicago Democrats. The measure took effect immediately when Pritzker signed it.