AFT President Weingarten and IFT President Dan Montgomery on Illinois Pension Theft Legislation

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery, who is also an AFT vice president, on the passage of pension theft legislation in the state:

"Political attacks on workers' hard-earned pensions are unconscionable," says Weingarten. "Last year, politicians scrapped a proposal to reform the state pension system that would have preserved retirement security while delivering significant savings to the state. The legislation passed today is grounded in politics, not sound fiscal policy. Gov. Pat Quinn should do the right thing and stop this bad bill from becoming law."

"AFT members in Illinois contribute more than 9 percent from each paycheck, and 80 percent of them don't receive Social Security," says Montgomery. "This bill will rob working people of their life savings. It is unconstitutional and won't save a dime. Don't be fooled by anyone who calls this a solution. All they have done is sent this fight for justice to the courts."