By:  Diane Benjamin

Name a problem we face today not caused by government.  Bad roads, invasion by illegals, minimal economic growth, flat incomes, high taxes, unfunded liabilities, unfunded mandates.  Another endless list.

Tari’s mug is in today’s paper saying Springfield has to fix problems caused by local government.  If the City never allowed employees to accumulate sick days – and get paid for them when they leave – accelerated payments to IMRF would never have been a problem.  Keep in mind, those sick days weren’t earned at the rate they are paid out.  If 30 hours are earned early in their career, those 30 get paid at the employees retirement rate.  For government employees, obviously much higher.

Local government treating their employees far better than the private sector caused the problem.

In 2011 Springfield did pass a law to protect IMRF.  For years members had spiked their pensions, therefore qualifying for more retirement money without contributing long-term.  Would employees/retirees prefer IMRF go bankrupt because some get a lot more than they deserved?

Enter the City of Bloomington hiding $1.3 Million in accelerated payments so the employees don’t get upset when their golden goose gets nipped.  Now Tari thinks Springfield needs to fix it.  Ending the local policy allowing spiking for AT LEAST non-union employees, doesn’t look to be on the table.

Face it folks.  Illinois government only exists for employees.  The Constitution was written so employees were more important than taxpayers.  Local government protects their brood and raises taxes on everybody else to pay for it.

So much for government FOR and BY the people.  Figure out what “Limited Government” means yet?