Talking with retired teachers, even those who believe that Illinois needs to get its budget in order, they all say, “Don’t touch my pension,” In fact, don’t touch anybody’s pension — it might affect me. Most won’t even consider giving up their 3 percent annual COLA.

• Is your pension so important that you are willing to sacrifice your children’s and grandchildren’s future?

• Is your pension so important that you are willing to tax businesses out of business?

• Is your pension so important that you are willing to cut the pay of those currently doing the job you used to do?

• Is your pension so important that you are willing to let the poor, the disabled, and the elderly suffer?

I know you all say your pensions were promised, but the taxpayer never agreed to fund it and in order for Illinois to fund these, the government must first take the money from your neighbors. Is that fair?

Jan Shaw

Wheaton

Letter to the Editor: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121130/discuss/711309993/