Legislative Update July 2026—Dr. John Carleton
What’s the old lyric to the Rolling Stones song, something like, “You can’t always get
what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need”? That kind of
describes the last session of the Illinois Legislature and the issues most important to
IRTA members.
The most recent session ended on June 1 and legislators will not return until November
17 for the veto session. Those who follow these legislative sessions characterize it as
unremarkable when compared with previous sessions. While there are budget
pressures on all states due to the federal government cutting back on its assistance to
the states, Illinois was still able to pass a balanced budget. There were many issues
that were not resolved (e.g. where will the Chicago Bears end up...???) but, all in all, the
essential work was done. Fortunately, for IRTA members, it was the budget IRTA had
expected and the funding for TRS and TRIP/TRAIL was approved in full. (We got what
we needed...)
In addition, for IRTA members who still want to teach and find themselves in a long-term
substitute situation, this last session did pass HB 3645 which extends the number of
days a retiree can sub from 100 to 120 days a year without loss of benefits. The bill will
sunset on July 1, 2029, but it does give retirees the ability to sub for 120 days for three
years, something IRTA had worked for this session.
The main disappointment for IRTA was the lack of progress to improve benefits for Tier
2 teachers (You can’t always get what you want...). This was not unexpected and IRTA
will continue to work for the younger professionals in the next session. Fortunately, we
don’t have to go it alone as we have partners in this quest to reform Tier 2 in the We Are
One Coalition of various unions in Illinois, so that should help.
So, all in all, our state IRTA office sees this last session as a win for Illinois teachers.
(As always, this article draws from resources provided by the IRTA state office.)
What’s the old lyric to the Rolling Stones song, something like, “You can’t always get
what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need”? That kind of
describes the last session of the Illinois Legislature and the issues most important to
IRTA members.
The most recent session ended on June 1 and legislators will not return until November
17 for the veto session. Those who follow these legislative sessions characterize it as
unremarkable when compared with previous sessions. While there are budget
pressures on all states due to the federal government cutting back on its assistance to
the states, Illinois was still able to pass a balanced budget. There were many issues
that were not resolved (e.g. where will the Chicago Bears end up...???) but, all in all, the
essential work was done. Fortunately, for IRTA members, it was the budget IRTA had
expected and the funding for TRS and TRIP/TRAIL was approved in full. (We got what
we needed...)
In addition, for IRTA members who still want to teach and find themselves in a long-term
substitute situation, this last session did pass HB 3645 which extends the number of
days a retiree can sub from 100 to 120 days a year without loss of benefits. The bill will
sunset on July 1, 2029, but it does give retirees the ability to sub for 120 days for three
years, something IRTA had worked for this session.
The main disappointment for IRTA was the lack of progress to improve benefits for Tier
2 teachers (You can’t always get what you want...). This was not unexpected and IRTA
will continue to work for the younger professionals in the next session. Fortunately, we
don’t have to go it alone as we have partners in this quest to reform Tier 2 in the We Are
One Coalition of various unions in Illinois, so that should help.
So, all in all, our state IRTA office sees this last session as a win for Illinois teachers.
(As always, this article draws from resources provided by the IRTA state office.)
June 1, 2025
IRTA Urges Government Pritzker to Fix Tier 2!
As of the writing of this report (May 30), legislators are in the final stretch of the spring 2025
legislative session. Many legislative items need to be wrapped up before adjournment, including
funding and restructuring for mass transit, an energy package, and the FY 26 State Budget.
Additionally, negotiations for Tier 2 pension benefit enhancements are ongoing. Governor Pritzker
plays a crucial role in moving legislation forward that is aimed at fixing Tier 2.
IRTA strongly supports increasing Tier 2 benefits so that, in addition to meeting the minimum
requirements by federal law, the benefits will offer true retirement security for Tier 2 members.
SB 1937, as amended, makes real progress toward ensuring Tier 2 members can receive true
retirement security while also strengthening the state’s long-term finances. Governor Pritzker has
emphasized the importance of ensuring that any legislative changes to Tier 2 strengthen the financial
standing of both our pension systems and the state as a whole.
SB 1937, as amended, satisfies the governor’s fiscal requirements to fix Tier 2 pensions and
addresses the following Tier 2 shortcomings:
Improves the final average salary calculation
Lowers the retirement age
Improves the cost-of-living adjustment
Increases the Social Security Wage base to address the “Safe Harbor” concerns
In short, SB 1937 aims to put Illinois on a path to improving the inadequate and insufficient Tier 2
pensions for active schoolteachers while also addressing our state’s decades-long pension funding
problems. However, Governor Pritzker has not committed his support of SB 1937. IRTA needs you to
contact Governor Pritzker and ask him to support SB 1937 and make significant improvements
to Tier 2 pensions.
The time is NOW to Fix Tier 2.
IRTA Members: Please ACT NOW to ask Governor Pritzker to Fix Tier 2!
IRTA Urges Government Pritzker to Fix Tier 2!
As of the writing of this report (May 30), legislators are in the final stretch of the spring 2025
legislative session. Many legislative items need to be wrapped up before adjournment, including
funding and restructuring for mass transit, an energy package, and the FY 26 State Budget.
Additionally, negotiations for Tier 2 pension benefit enhancements are ongoing. Governor Pritzker
plays a crucial role in moving legislation forward that is aimed at fixing Tier 2.
IRTA strongly supports increasing Tier 2 benefits so that, in addition to meeting the minimum
requirements by federal law, the benefits will offer true retirement security for Tier 2 members.
SB 1937, as amended, makes real progress toward ensuring Tier 2 members can receive true
retirement security while also strengthening the state’s long-term finances. Governor Pritzker has
emphasized the importance of ensuring that any legislative changes to Tier 2 strengthen the financial
standing of both our pension systems and the state as a whole.
SB 1937, as amended, satisfies the governor’s fiscal requirements to fix Tier 2 pensions and
addresses the following Tier 2 shortcomings:
Improves the final average salary calculation
Lowers the retirement age
Improves the cost-of-living adjustment
Increases the Social Security Wage base to address the “Safe Harbor” concerns
In short, SB 1937 aims to put Illinois on a path to improving the inadequate and insufficient Tier 2
pensions for active schoolteachers while also addressing our state’s decades-long pension funding
problems. However, Governor Pritzker has not committed his support of SB 1937. IRTA needs you to
contact Governor Pritzker and ask him to support SB 1937 and make significant improvements
to Tier 2 pensions.
The time is NOW to Fix Tier 2.
IRTA Members: Please ACT NOW to ask Governor Pritzker to Fix Tier 2!
