SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) released the following statement Wednesday following Senate approval of Senate Bill 1:

“I believe the people of this state demand reform to our pension systems, but they don’t want a “Band-Aid” approach to a problem that calls for serious action. I want to be an active participant in drafting comprehensive pension reform that is fair to retirees, active employees, and taxpayers while realistically tackling one of the most pressing fiscal issues in the history of our state. The solution must lead to long term savings and not just a stopgap measure for a few years of minor relief. The solutions proposed in the Senate thus far have not been fair to all citizens.”

SB1 now heads to the Illinois House for consideration.