Comment: Consolidating administration of local pensions is a good idea and overdue, but the second idea being considered is nothing more than giving public assets away to the pensions.

Mendoza’s statement on this is linked here.

BGA’s David Greising: “The new governor so far has shown little tendency toward fiscal austerity, and initial moves like the catch-up on union pay hikes and a privately funded boost to his staff’s salaries both seem to augur more spending ahead.”

Comment: The goal of consolidating the administration of the pensions is a good one and should be pursued promptly. But the other focus of this group will be transferring public assets to the pensions. No. No more giveaways to the pensions until they are reformed and made affordable. And why was Christine Radogno named to this group, aside from cosmetic “bipartisanship?” She has a record clearly showing she fundamentally does not understand pensions, as we wrote here. Most of the others appear quite qualified, however.

Comment: This goal of 100% renewables is rightly being ridiculed to death at the national level, having been proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Harris, Sen. Booker and others (though with a shorter time target). The cost in any event, if it were possible, would be in the trillions, yet these Illinoisans claim it would be “less than a couple bucks monthly.” Utter madness.