An Update on Tier 2 Pension Fight – Where We Stand

Brothers and Sisters,

We want to share an important update on our fight to fix the broken Tier 2 pension system.

Despite a vigorous grassroots lobbying campaign and more than a year of good-faith engagement with lawmakers, Governor JB Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, Speaker Chris Welch, and the General Assembly failed to take action on Tier 2 in this legislative session. Not even a committee vote was granted on our proposal.

Such inaction is inexcusable.

Since introducing the Fair Retirement and Recruitment Act last November—and our compromise proposal, SB 1937, more recently—we’ve worked tirelessly to develop a responsible, comprehensive solution to Tier 2 inequities. We responded to the concerns of the governor’s office and legislative leaders. We participated in dozens of hearings, working groups, and direct negotiations.

And, as you know well, we showed up. Union members all across this state sent over 100,000 emails, made tens of thousands of phone calls, submitted thousands of witness slips, and had countless conversations with legislators.

Our efforts made a real impact—and you can be assured we are not stopping now!

The Tier 2 crisis continues to grow. Every day, public employees are leaving their professions and our state because we can’t count on a secure retirement. The longer we delay fixing this, the more damaging and costly it becomes.

The potential for steep cuts in federal funds to our state is no excuse for inaction. If anything, attacks on our state from Washington, D.C., make it more urgent for our leaders to stand up for working families.

We remain ready to work with any lawmaker who has questions about our latest proposal, SB 1937 House Amendment 2. This fight is far from over—and we’re not going anywhere.

To every public servant who has joined in this fight for fairness, thank you. Your voice, your advocacy, and your commitment have brought us to the edge of meaningful change. And with your continued support, we will finish the job.

In solidarity,

Pat Devaney

We Are One Illinois