SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) said he isn’t surprised by the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the 2013 Illinois Pension Reform law.

“The bottom line is we are still left with a pension system that is not solvent, and with an unfunded liability over $100 Billion that is growing at an unsustainable rate,” said State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “If we don’t address it, we will continue to see pension payments crowding out other important obligations, and pulling money from education and human services.”

The Illinois Supreme Court found that the pension reform measure violated the Constitution’s provision that pensions are an enforceable contract that cannot be “diminished or impaired.”

Senator Syverson noted that a pension proposal from Governor Bruce Rauner has merit, and may be able to withstand a court challenge. He urges leaders to sit down and work out a compromise that will protect retirees and is affordable for the taxpayers of Illinois. Syverson believes that a solution is reachable if leaders are willing to put politics aside and do the right thing.

“There is not a painless solution to escape from the mess from the last 12 years of over spending, not paying bills, and failing to address the growing pension liability left over from the ruling party,” said Senator Syverson. “We have already asked taxpayers to give more. Human service, healthcare, and long-term care providers are all doing their part; now we need those in state government to do their part as well. A little shared pain from everyone will result in Illinois coming through this mess stronger and more vibrant.”