Springfield… State Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and State Representative Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) today want to put state and university employees at ease about potential changes to their pension benefits. Both representatives are concerned that rumors and misinformation may lead employees to make hasty decisions before the facts are known.
“There is a lot of inaccurate and misleading rumors being spread about pension reform and I’ve heard from many constituents who are wondering if they would be better off by retiring right away,” said Bost. “While there might be changes to retirement benefits eventually, there is certainty with your active employment. As an employee you know what your salary and health benefits are and should a pension proposal be put forth and approved, employees will be given ample time to examine the options and react.”
While it is possible a pension reform bill will be forthcoming, to date there is no agreement and no legislation filed.
“The spreading of rumors is a disservice to hard working state and university employees and is causing a lot of angst,” said Phelps. “Please don’t believe everything you hear. There are many rumors circulating that simply aren’t true. First of all, there is no legislation filed. If and when reforms are adopted, there will be plenty of time for employees to review the changes and then make a decision based on actual facts.”
For more information, please contact Rep. Bost at his district office located at 300 East Main Street, Carbondale or by calling (618) 457-5787 and Rep. Phelps at his Constituent Service Office at (217) 782-5131.