“Long story short: Property taxes can’t plummet until legislators put forth a constitutional amendment that allows for pension reform. That notion tosses Illinois Democrats, their Springfield apologists and their union allies into conniptions. Which leaves Democrats arguing about whether to, say, expand the sales tax base. That new revenue could go to school districts and other local governments, and they in turn could reduce their property tax levies.”

More than 129,000 Illinois public pensioners will see expected payouts of $1 million or more during retirement.