Important public pension reforms are under threat in several states – Reason Foundation

"Unions and other stakeholders wield significant influence over lawmakers through campaign contributions and lobbying. This clout often translates into enhanced pension benefits negotiated with too little consideration of the risks and long-term costs that taxpayers will bear. A recent pension boost for Chicago’s police and firefighter pensions is an example of this pitfall, with new legislation handing out expensive benefit upgrades despite the city’s pension debt exceeding that of 43 states."