Day: November 5, 2014

The 2014 Midterm Elections: Pension Implications – Teacher Pensions

November 5, 2014 No Comments

Gina Raimondo, the Democratic governor-elect in Rhode Island, once again demonstrated that good pension policy can be good politics;  pension reform may be off the table in Pennsylvania; we’ll have to wait and see whether Rauner’s support for a defined contribution plan for all new workers is about costs and cutting benefits, or whether he’s willing to craft a well-structured plan that provides retirement security to all workers. http://www.teacherpensions.org/blog/2014-midterm-elections-pension-implications

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City Council approves Emanuel’s early childhood expansion – Early & Often

November 5, 2014 No Comments

Emanuel’s plan to use $17 million from private investors to provide half-day early childhood education for 2,618 students sailed through the City Council, despite concern about the “very high rate of return” for investors. CTU and SEIU Healthcare Illinois and its City Council allies have likened the arrangement to the much-vilified parking meter deal. http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/city-council-approves-emanuels-early-childhood-expansion/wed-11052014-946am#bmb=1

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Rauner now turns to governing Illinois – A.P.

November 5, 2014 No Comments

In his election night speech, Rauner pledged to “fundamentally change the structure and the operation of our government.” http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IL_ILLINOIS_ELECTION_GOVERNOR_ILOL-?SITE=ILBLO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

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Getting Real about Pension Investments – Governing

November 5, 2014 No Comments

Using actual, historical return assumptions means taxpayers have to kick in more to keep the systems afloat. For Illinois, the annual required contribution would jump from $5.9 billion to $7 billion. “Illinois’ pension system has certainly earned its reputation as a basket case.” via Getting Real about Pension Investments.

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Bruce Rauner Defeats Public Unions, Media, Quinn – WP Original

November 5, 2014 No Comments

By: Mark Glennon*   Pat Quinn is rightfully listed last in that headline. He is, and always was, a buffoon.   Rauner dropped the attacks on public unions after the primary, but that was unilateral disarmament. They disgraced themselves with a filthy campaign.   It’s not as simple as liberal bias respecting the press, though that’s been overt in some cases. Incompetence and simple, old-fashioned muckraking were the larger problems, and they permeated coverage of Rauner from the start.   Rauner also had to defeat a somewhat different Rauner who emerged after the primary. He promised too much to too

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