Page 22 - January 2016

The state budget hole is getting
GUEST COLUMN
Well, it’s finally 2016 and so many things we expected to become reality don’t exist. There are no flying cars, no hoverboards, and the Cubs still have not won a World Series since 1908, although they gave us a good run this year.
The state of Illinois still doesn’t have a budget, either.
It’s possible that by the time you read this the General Assembly and the governor will have agreed to a 2016 budget, and all is well in the state. If that’s the case, feel free to skip this article.
I bet I still have your attention, though. Because while it’s possible that the state has a budget, it’s highly unlikely. That has some very real consequences for the citizens of Chicago gener-
ally, and for police officers in particular.
Most importantly, the lack of a state budget means the budget
that the City passed is not complete. Under state law, the city’s con- tribution to the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund was sched- uled to increase from $188.4 million to $592.9 million as a way to address the severe underfunding of the pension fund. That’s quite a jump.
Inresponse,theGeneralAssemblypassedabill,SB777,togive some relief to the City. Under SB 777, the city’s contribution this year would be $420 million. There’s also relief from contributions to the Firefighters’ Pension Fund. It’s still a big increase from last year, but somewhat more manageable for the City. The budget passed by the City Council was based on SB 777 becoming law.
While SB 777 did pass both chambers of the General Assembly, it’s on hold until the budget crisis is resolved. That means that the City’s budget is dependent on the governor getting and signing SB 777 or similar language. The way things are going in Springfield, nothing seems a sure bet. If SB 777 does not become law, the City’s budget is $220 million in the hole. That means cuts, more tax increases or just skipping pension payments.
Beyond the potential to kick the legs out from under the City’s budget, the stalemate in Springfield also creates bigger risks to public employees. No matter how you slice it, the state needs more revenue. Gov. Rauner has repeatedly stated that he will not support higher revenues if his “Turnaround Agenda” is not passed.
While the exact contents of the Turnaround Agenda seem to change, the thrust has been pretty stable. Gov. Rauner wants to see changes in the employer-employee relationship, especially when it
VASYL MARKUS
Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society Chicago Police Department Inc. 1982
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society was formed in 1982 to Honor Police Officers killed in the of line duty. Since then, we have performed over 150 Honor Ceremonies of our Fallen.
The Band will hold an Orientation Meeting at the Chicago Police Academy - 1300 West Jackson Blvd - Chicago, IL on Thursday, 14 Jan 2016 at 1900 hrs. This meeting is for Law Enforcement Officers interested in joining the band to play the Bagpipes, Drums or to become a member of our Color Guard Unit.
NO EXPERIENCE? NO WORRIES. WE WILL TEACH YOU!
For furthur information: Band Manager Thomas J. Cody @ 773-410-9779. Visit us on Facebook or at www.copsinkilts.com
“In Onoraigh Ar Marbh”
(773) 410-9779 We Honor Our Fallen www.copsinkilts.com
22 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2015
d