IL HR0027

Opposes a proposed educational pension cost shift that would transfer $10.187 billion in estimated normal pension costs over 10 years from the State of Illinois to local school districts, community colleges, and universities.

Notes that 67% of Illinois school districts are currently operating in deficit and already contribute 0.58% of pensionable teacher payroll to the Teachers' Retirement System, totaling $92.5 million in Fiscal Year 2012.

Warns the cost shift would force massive property tax increases on local districts and could translate to 2% tuition increases at state universities, making higher education less affordable for students and families.

Argues the plan would exacerbate inequities between Chicago and downstate/suburban areas by burdening property taxpayers while harming school funding and classroom resources.

Declares the House's opposition to the pension cost shift, stating it would convert state pension obligations into unfunded mandates on local entities.