Andy Kirchoff, the Republican candidate running for the 24th District State House seat, recently released a statement about Illinois pension liabilities and other concerns in the 2016 election.
Pension liabilities are a serious concern for local residents, as well as a drain on the budget.
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"Illinois' pension liabilities are the main driver behind the state's budget crisis,” Kirchoff said. “Going forward, we MUST reform our public employee pension system to ensure long-term sustainability and security for beneficiaries."
Budget changes must be made to benefit everyone living in Illinois. Kirchoff said changing pension costs shows that both state and municipal governments are unsustainable options for pensions as well as education, which are two issues that must not be confused.
“I really don't think it's an exaggeration to say that pension costs are holding essential services hostage,” Kirchoff said.
Kirchoff also said that any increased taxes to resolve this problem need to be connected to reforms in government. Corruption in local government is one of the main reasons why Illinois faces its current problems.
“The best way to restore ethics in Illinois government is to remove the temptation of power and influence from legislators,” Kirchoff said.
Kirchoff has said he is willing to approve long-term tax increases only if they force leaders to make long-lasting changes to improve sustainability for the future of the state.
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